In honor of a life that left footprints of love.
Obituary
Charles L. Adams, a cherished husband, devoted father, and beloved member of the Springfield, Ohio community, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2025, at the age of 81. He was the son of the late Rubin “Jack” Rochester and Marion Rothwell Adams.
Charles affectionately known as “Chuck” was born on December 1, 1943 in Chester, Pennsylvania, Charles was educated in the public-school system and enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1960. He received his Air Force training in Lackland Air Force Base located in Bexar County, Texas. Charles honorably served his country, beginning his career at Plattsburgh Air Force Base in New York. He then spent a year stationed in Thailand, contributing to U.S. operations in Southeast Asia. He completed his dedicated service at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, leaving a legacy of commitment and excellence in the U.S. Air Force.
Charles Adams was honorably discharged from the U.S. Air Force after years of dedicated service. He went on to work at Vernay Laboratories in Yellow Springs, Ohio, where he contributed his skills for 23 years. Due to disabilities, he later retired, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, perseverance, and dedication.
He loved spending his time as a member of the CB radio club, where his handle name was "Hobo." He was a part of a bowling league, enjoyed playing card games, and had a deep appreciation for classic Western movies. Above all, he valued staying connected with family and friends whether it was writing a letter, sending a card for special occasions or simply a phone call.
In 2017 due to health complications, Charles Adams resided at Villa Springfield Nursing Facility, where he was well-loved and became very popular with the staff. His warm personality and kind spirit touched those around him, making a lasting impact on everyone who cared for him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his loving and devoted wife of 41 years Alberta D. Adams, two children Anita Doughman and Anthony Davis and his siblings Rose Ann, Lenora & Milton.
Charles L. Adams leaves to cherish his precious memory: loving daughter Charlene A. (Thomas) Watkins of Atlanta, GA; his niece Lisa (Curtis) Cobb of Springfield, Ohio; brother in law Richard S. (Jacquelyn) Johnson III of Dayton, Ohio. Cherished Grandchildren: Christina & Spencer Doughman; Alexandria & Xavier Jefferson; Tyler Watkins and Felipe Holtz. Lovable Great Grandchildren: D'Mario Doughman, Jayden Artis, Camri & Anias Doughman. In addition, he leaves a host of other relatives and close friends, all of whom will miss him dearly.
In this time of loss, we find solace in the laughter he shared with us and the love he freely gave. Though Charles is no longer with us, his cherished memories will continue to fill our lives with warmth and joy. He will be dearly missed but never forgotten. His legacy of kindness, humor, and unconditional love endures in the hearts of his family and all who knew him.
Tribute
This Online Tribute serves as a heartfelt platform to memorialize and celebrate the life of Charles Adams. It offers a space to honor his legacy, share cherished memories, and reflect on the impact he had on those around him.
Charles's cremated remains will be laid to rest at the National Cemetery in Dayton, Ohio, where his service and legacy will be honored with lasting tribute.
Our family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Marlan J. Gary Funeral & Chapel (formerly Porter-Qualls Freeman Funeral Home) for their compassionate care and thoughtful arrangements for Charles. Your kindness and support during this time mean so much to us.
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I interacted with your dad only on a few occasions but, he was always welcoming and kind to
me which was greatly
appreciated.
Know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time and that we’re here for you anytime.
Karma
First of all it was a pleasure to have met Mr. Adams /Teflon Chuck/Dad his reach was far beyond what a normal person could do. Dad’s Sense of humor when it came to those he loved, consisted of Jokes & little funny saying's,our conversations. will be missed .They consisted of Char’s childhood, cooking or many conversations about football 🏈 the Bengals & Steelers especially. Thank you for all the great values you bestowed in your beautiful daughter & never ending love for your family!You be truly missed, Never forgotten!!! Job well done & rest easy!
Char ,
Larry & I are so sorry to hear the loss of your father. We feel this loss to be especially a tough one on you .
As you know we never met him, except had an understanding of him through getting to know you .
Char you’re a great friend to us. A woman that really takes friendships ( one like ours to the next level .)
Char you are a woman of integrity and an undeniable charm & a smile that brightens anyone’s day . A perfect blend of your Mother and Father .
So Char during this time of grieving, we hope the best of his memories to never fade and to always feel his spirit each and everyday .
With our deepest condolences,
Larry & Robbin Washington 🫶
Everyone should have a scripture or scriptures that kind of summarize(s) them at different stages in their life. Poppa Chuck had many but the one I most appreciated was his…
Psalms 91:4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
This was Poppa Chuck to me! Poppa Chuck took me under his wing. Poppa Chuck pretty much adopted all (and I mean all!) of Char’s friends. We were all newly graduated black urban professionals from various colleges and universities living in Indianapolis, Indiana. This is where I met Char, Shenevelvn, and the crew during the great sigma-a.k.a. mating migration of 2003-2004. We had great times in our own Buppie version of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom. As we all hung tough and became a family, we got to know each other’s original home state family. When I made my first trip to Springfield, I WAS HOME! Poppa Chuck and Momma Alberta would take care of and feed us all! Poppa Chuck introduced me to broasted chicken. I was like Smeagle from Lord of the Rings, broasted chicken my precious! Most of us were regulars in Springfield hanging out with the Adams! When I later moved to Xenia, Ohio, you couldn’t tell me that I wasn’t adopted! If Poppa Chuck took you cruising in the candy apple red Honda (you know the one), you were a son! I got to give a quick Austin Power’s “Yeah, Baby!” and Madea, “Hallelujah”. As Poppa Chuck took me under his wing, he was Pop! He would entrust his shopping and care to me. It was my heart’s desire to be a good son! Pop gave me my flowers by letting me know how much he appreciated my work, which was more fun than work. Pop was the kindest, most loving person you could ever meet. Wherever he was and whoever he was with, he made you at home. You could relax! Poppa Chuck was a people person! He was a people person the way Jesus meant us to be! I am sure that Poppa Chuck earned that crown! I already miss you, Pop! Say “Hi” to Momma Alberta, Nita, and Ant.
Mr Adams always gleamed with pride about his family. I remember being at your home on several occasions and having funny conversations with him during and after our college years. May the very sovereign God provide you with warmth and comfort. 💛
⸻
Mrs Charlene A. Watkins & Family,
I wanted to extend my heartfelt condolences to you during this difficult time. Although I did not have the honor of knowing your Dad, Mr. Charles L. Adams, personally, I have come to understand what an incredible man he was through you, Charlene Watkins. It’s clear that he was not only a devoted father but also a deeply caring and loving individual who left a lasting impact on those around him.
I am also deeply grateful for Mr. Adams’ service in the United States Air Force. His dedication and sacrifice helped pave the way for so many others who followed in his footsteps. His commitment to our country is a testament to his strength, courage, and character.
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with your family as you celebrate his life and legacy. May you find comfort in the cherished memories you shared with him and the enduring love he leaves behind.
With deepest sympathy,
Arthur Lemons, Jr.
What I cherished most were our talks about love — how to find it, how to nurture it, and how to embrace happiness within life’s circumstances, always giving glory to God for all things. Mr. Adams was truly one of a kind — a man of honesty, transparency, and grace. His words were always thoughtful and uplifting, and his presence will be deeply missed.
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