Stephen John Adams

Stephen John Adams, 83, from Hedgesville WV, passed away October 27, 2025 surrounded by his family.

Stephen, often referred to as Steve by his friends and lovingly as ‘Pop’ by his family, was born April 16, 1942 in Lemay, St. Louis, MO to the late Harry Jean Adams and Marjorie June Young Adams.

He is a United States Marine who served in the Communications Platoon of Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, 3rd Marine Division. Assignments while in Vietnam varied as the Corps dictated. He was proud to be a US Marine. He also served in the United States Naval Reserve, the United States Army National Guard, and the United States Air National Guard.

In addition to his military career, Steve worked for the Veterans Administration and retired from there after 26 years of service. While working for the VA, he was able to take his family to multiple states across the country and overseas. After retiring, he continued serving the community by volunteering at the Martinsburg, WV VA location.

He loved his church and the people in it. His faith was an integral part of his life and helped shape his actions. His approach to life with his wife, Olga, was always filled with humor and love. He spoke with excitement about his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and about who they were and who they would become. Though golfing and fishing were no longer an option as he aged, he loved hearing stories from his old golf buddies as well as the grandkids’ escapades into the world.

Some of his personal tenants were:

-Listen

-Don’t be a jerk

-Don’t go out of your way to get others to like you

-Life is other people (it’s not about you)

-The grace you’ve received is what you should extend to others

-Be the kind of person your dog thinks you are

Steve is survived by his wife, Olga Ann Salmi Ellis Adams; sons, Anthony Eric (Tammy), Benjamin Daniel, and Jonathan Christopher (Allison). Eleven grandchildren; Anthony (Courtney) Andrew (Whitney), Abigail (Gavin), Alexander, Avery, Asher, Cameron, Adalyn, Salina and Sol. One great-grandchild; Archie and baby brother on the way. Two brothers; Bill and Tom. Two sisters; Mary and Lois.

In addition to his parents, Steve was preceded in death by his brother, Jesse, and his grandson, Anderson.

Interment will take place in Nebraska, June of 2026, at Fort McPherson National Cemetery. Per Pop’s request, food and laughter will follow at Ole’s Big Game Steakhouse & Lounge in Paxton, NE.

A Celebration of Life Service was held November 2, 2025, 4:00 p.m. at Covenant Baptist Church in Shepherdstown, WV.

In lieu of flowers, please bring fried chicken to/or make a donation to the Martinsburg Union Rescue Mission. Cards may be sent to: c/o Covenant Baptist Church, Olga Adams 7485 Shepherdstown Pike, Shepherdstown, WV 25443.

Arrangements by Brown Funeral Home.