Charles Leslie «Chuck» Adams passed away Jan. 1, 2025 after a difficult battle with Parkinsons disease and Lewy body dementia. Chuck was born Dec. 25, 1943, in Memphis, TN to Charles “Mose” and Freda (Haney) Adams. He graduated in 1962 from Shawnee High School and then from Oklahoma Baptist University. He ran the Shawnee Softball Association and maintained the fields at Dockrey Park for many years. His devotion to the sport led him to be inducted to the Oklahoma Amateur Softball Hall of Fame in 2003, and he continued to play on masters teams for “seasoned players” until he was 72. Chuck married Shirley Sue Scott on January 23, 1966, in Bethel Acres, OK. He obtained dual masters degrees in education from East Central University and completed his school administrators certification. For 35 years, he was a respected educator in this area. He taught English, coached, drove a bus, and was an administrator at South Rock Creek School for most of his career, retiring as the superintendent in 2003. The gym there was named in his honor in 2022.
Survivors include his beloved wife, Shirley Adams, of the home; daughter Jamie Bergsten and husband David of Shawnee; son Shawn Adams and wife Kelli of Edmond; grandchildren Olivia Bergsten, Tyler Bergsten, Jacob Adams, and Connor Adams, as well as one nephew and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and both of his siblings, “Big Mike” Adams and Kristi Bruno.
Services were held Jan. 6, 2025, at Wesley United Methodist Church with Rev. Gerard Nsabimana and former student Rev. Mark Watson officiating. Following the ceremony, Chuck was laid to rest privately at Bethel Cemetery.
