Robert William Adams

Aug. 14, 1915-Dec. 14, 2007

Robert William Adams was born in Polson on Aug. 14, 1915. His parents were Floyd Charles Adams and Anna Vivian Masse.

Bob was drafted into the Air Force in 1942. He was a tail gunner in a B-17 and completed 25 successful missions over Germany. On the 26th flight, July 8, 1944, his plane was attacked and destroyed. He parachuted at 32,000 ft., landing in a field. Bob was taken prisoner and placed in a German concentration camp. During his time in captivity he endured what is called "The Death March." Bob witnessed many of his friends die on the walk through snowy fields and mountains. He was a POW until the end of WWII and spent time in the hospital to recover from malnutrition and other physical effects of his experience.

He married Betty Marceline Munyon on Jan. 29, 1951, in San Diego. Betty brought her three-year old daughter, Barbara Jean, to the marriage. Bob and Betty were blessed with Beverly Elaine later that year. Bob followed his father into the theater business and became a journeyman projectionist. Bob learned carpentry, plumbing and electrical and mechanical work from his father and used those skills throughout his life. He was very thoughtful and methodical about his work, no matter how large or small the task happened to be.

Bob and Betty raised their daughters in San Diego but always found time to take the family back to Montana during the summers. Together they built a home on Skidoo Bay, room by room.

Bob and Betty continued their annual treks to Polson after the girls were on their own. They had many friends in Montana and often hosted family and friends from San Diego who came to visit.

Betty died in July 1991 and Bob was alone for the first time in over 40 years. He continued to spend summers in Montana until he could no longer make the drive alone. Even then, his daughter Beverly took him to the lake as often as possible. In fact, he spent his 90th, 91st and 92nd birthdays at the lake — he was there last August, thanks to Beverly.

Bob suffered a massive heart attack and died at the San Diego VA hospital on Aug. 14, 2007. He leaves his daughters, Barbara Ek (Richard) of Everett, Wash., and Beverly King (Joseph) of Upland, Calif., and three grandchildren, Alex Ek and Adam and Tracy King. Bob was buried at Mt. Hope Cemetery in San Diego, alongside his wife.