It Happens in Threes

I lost another individual suddenly this week.  He was a former coworker from the church.  He was only 22.  I’ve known him since he was 16.  When he used to come into the church office he used to always make us laugh about something.  He was an only child.  I’m sure, only child or not, his parents are just devestated right now.  Here is the story on the accident from my local newspaper.

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A motorcycle accident Monday afternoon took the life of Neil Adams, known by many as the drummer of the First United Methodist Church band.

Adams, 22, was returning to work after his lunch break just before 1 p.m. when his bike hit a curb and threw him into a tree.

“He made a turn coming from Windsor (Drive) onto College (Boulevard), and it looked like the turn went a little wide and he struck the curb,” [my town] Police Sgt. Darin Hardy said.

Adams was wearing a helmet, and there is no indication that he had been drinking, Hardy said.

Adams suffered a traumatic head injury and was transported to [the hospital], where he was pronounced dead soon after the accident.

“He was extremely involved in the church,” said Melinda Roberts, the church’s minister of youth. “He always wanted to know how he could help and what he could do.”

The accident is “an absolute shock,” she said.

No other vehicles were involved in the incident, Hardy said. Police are investigating other factors that may have caused the accident.

The accident is the second motorcycle fatality in [my town] this year, Hardy said.

Neil Charles Adams

Jan. 10, 1985 – Sept. 24, 2007

Neil Charles Adams, 22, beloved son of Robert Charles and Diane Carol Adams, of Farmington, was tragically taken Sept. 24, 2007, due to an accident, and has gone to be with his Heavenly Father.

Neil was born and raised in Farmington and graduated from Piedra Vista High School. He was an energetic young man who lived life to the fullest. Neil was very active in his church and played the drums in the praise team. He also played bluegrass music with his mom and dad, and not only respected them as his parents, but considered them to be his best friends. They spent quality time camping and just being in the mountains.

Neil loved to ride his motorcycle, giving him the feeling of freedom. He loved his grandparents and would do anything for them; his bond with them was unbreakable and unique. His faith in Christ made him the man he was growing to be. Such a kind and gentle young man.

Neil was preceded in death by his grandmother, Linda Justis.

Neil is survived by his parents, Robert Charles and Diane Carol Adams of the family home; grandparents, John and Joanie Huffman, of Farmington, and Ken and Viola Adams, of Albuquerque; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and a host of friends.

A public viewing for Neil will be from 3 to 7 p.m. today, Thursday, Sept. 27, at Alternative Choice.

Services will be at 1 p.m., Friday Sept. 28, at First United Methodist Church in Farmington, with Craig Curry officiating. Interment will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Steven Huffman, Brian Wilson, Major Robert A. Wilson, Mitchell Wheatcraft, Jeff Wheatcraft, Richard Wheatcraft, Craig Adams, David Adams, and Kerry Adams.

Serving as honorary bearers are Bruce Adams, Brad Plies, Jacob Copeland, John Ziemer, Mark Keeney, Cody DeClusin, and Myron Aspaas.