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Clayton ADAMS Obituary
Age 77, of Kenmore, NY. Entered into Heaven June 3, 2022. Born November 15, 1944, to the late Margaret (Eddy) and Roland J. Adams. Beloved husband of Pamela (Jones) Adams for 53 years; loving father of Wendy L., Joshua M. (Stephanie R.) and Jonathan R. (Melyssa M.); grandfather of Nicholas J., Lucas R. and Thomas R.; brother-in-law of David (Nikki) Jones of Germany, Patty Jones (Lothar Deiss); also survived by cousins, nieces, nephews and faithful friends. Clayton was a graduate of Buffalo State College, 1971. He was a highly respected history teacher at Kenmore West Senior High School for 34 years. During his tenure, he developed a freestanding Holocaust Course, the first in New York State, which gained popularity throughout WNY. He was a founding board member of the Holocaust Resource Center (HRC). He was presented the Louis E. Yavner award from the Regents of the University of the State of New York for "Distinguished Contributions to teaching about the Holocaust and about other Violations of Human Rights." Clayton was one of three writers for the State of New York of the statewide curriculum on the Holocaust. He also taught in the HRC distance learning program to schools in the southern-tier. He was given may awards for his teaching on the Holocaust and is remembered by students regularly for his lessons. In total, he had over 50 years of teaching experience. In addition, Clayton was a dependable lay Pastor for several churches, attended Deerhurst Presbyterian Church. Clayton Adams was an honorable man, who will be missed dearly. Friends may call Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the LESTER H. WEDEKINDT, INC. FUNERAL HOME, 3290 Delaware Ave., Kenmore. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service on Wednesday at 11 AM at The Chapel at CrossPoint, 500 CrossPoint Pkwy., Amherst, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Holocaust Resource Center. Please share online condolences at www.lesterwedekindtfuneralhome.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Clayton ADAMS
James P. Drozdowski, Ruling Elder
June 4, 2024
Minister of the Magyar Presbuyterian Church in Lackawanna for decades of service.
Melissa Miszkiewicz
May 25, 2024
My 12th grade elective on the Nazis. He was captivating, confident, kind and human. I am 61 and I still think of him and what I learned quite regularly. He made a difference.
Amy Scime
June 23, 2022
I cannot express enough what an amazing and incredible teacher Mr. Adams was. I carry with me his lessons with everyday and have many times over the years remembered the most important one: if you don´t speak up against injustices who will? That has stayed with me since 1990. He was truly the best and I am so grateful I had the chance to take his classes.
Leanne
June 9, 2022
One of the best teachers I have ever had. He definitely influenced my love of history. May you rest in peace
Katie Stefanick Benson
June 8, 2022
Mr. Adams can Rest In Peace knowing he touched the lives of thousands of students, myself one of them. His Holocaust class at Ken West has influenced my entire life and world views to this day. Deepest sympathies to his family.
The Wittenrich Family
June 7, 2022
Always cherished the days when Clayton would Preach at our Church in Griffins Mills. He touched many lives.
Jennifer Bauer Livingston
June 6, 2022
I was a student of Mr. Adams in the early-mid 1980's. He was without a doubt one of the best educators I have ever encountered! I have thought of him often, especially over the last few years amidst everything going on in the world. I have often wondered what he would say. He charged us as his students to never let the atrocities of the holocaust be repeated. His lessons are not forgotten. He was a good, kind, compassionate teacher who expected much from his students and gave much in return. THANK YOU, Mr. Adams. You truly made a difference in the lives of your students that extend far beyond the classroom. May you rest in the peace of Heaven. Blessings to your family.
Maria Solley Bennett
June 6, 2022
I was fortunate enough to have Mr. Adams while I attended Kenmore West. Mr. Adams was a remarkable man and an excellent teacher! He will be sorely missed.
Norma James Mahler
June 6, 2022
Rest in peace sir. Thank you for inspiring me for lifelong learning and developing my passion for reading. To this day, A Farewell to Arms, a book you suggested, remains my favorite read. Condolences to your family.
David Crosson
June 6, 2022
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Adams. I was in a few of his classes in the 70's. He was one of the only teachers that truly influenced me, developing a lifelong interest of history in a kid that at that time didn't care to learn. He was a special person. Rest in pease Mr. Adams and thank you.
Amy Crosson
June 6, 2022
Clay was such a genuinely kind man. It was a pleasure to be his neighbor for almost a decade. He will be missed!
Mary Manley
June 6, 2022
Mr. Adams was one of the best teachers at Kenmore West. I was fortunate to have him as a junior and senior. His class on the Holocaust has forever had an impact on me. He is one of the reasons why I became a social studies teacher. May you Rest In Peace.
Christine Mendola
June 6, 2022
Mr. Adams you were an amazing teacher! You taught me what I didn´t know about the holocaust, which was the most important lesson to ever learn. It stayed with me for years. RIP
James Drozdowski
June 6, 2022
Clay was an inspirng minister and loved by his congregation a Magyar Presbyterian Church for many years. His sermons reached out to everyone.
Laura E Jachimiak
June 6, 2022
Mr. Adams was an outstanding teacher. I was a student in his halocaust class and it made a life long impression that has stayed with me my entire life! Great man, great teacher!
David Jones, Fulda, Germany
June 6, 2022
Dignity and respect - the hallmarks of how he treated others and lived his life.
A devout, distinguished and educated man, who never lost faith in humanity, the world or the Buffalo Bills.
With unending sorrow I bid farewell to more than just a brother-in-law, but a friend, mentor, and exemplar of all that is good and noble.
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Lester H. Wedekindt Funeral Home Inc. - Kenmore3290 Delaware Avenue, Kenmore, NY 14217
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