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Thomas Adams Obituary
Indianapolis - 88, peacefully passed into eternity on October 5, 2018, at his home in Indianapolis. Tom is the son of Ida Mae and Thomas D. Adams, Sr. Tom is survived by two sons, Thomas Douglas Adams III, and Steven Smith Adams (Dan Allis); sisters, Jane Adams Murphy (John), Dianne Adams Hunter; granddaughter Adriane Adams Myers (Jason) and two great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and his long-time companion, Lee Barnett.
Tom was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on February 4, 1930, moving to Indianapolis as an infant. He was a graduate of Broad Ripple High School and attended Indiana University. Tom was the longtime manager of the Hawthorn Room restaurant at 16th and Meridian. He then became involved in his lifelong passion of auto racing, owning Adams Automotive Associates, building racing engines, entering 2 cars in the Indianapolis 500, and racing stock cars with Jigger Sirois, his friend and driver. Tom went to his first Indy 500 in 1946 at age 16, loved it, and continued to attend for more than 60 years. He loved music and was a talented drummer who played with jazz bands throughout the city. Tom then lived in Largo, FL for many years, recently returning to Indianapolis.
He was a man of great kindness, impeccable manners, and a distinctive sense of humor. His laughter often filled the room and his deep, sonorous voice was treasured by all who knew him. One of Tom's longtime caregivers often affectionately described him as "the last of the true gentlemen."
The family would like to gratefully acknowledge his caring, compassionate caregivers as well as his wonderful St. Vincent Hospice team.
Visitation will be held at Crown Hill Funeral Home, 700 W. 38th St., Indianapolis, on Wednesday, October 10, 5:00pm - 8:00pm. Funeral services will begin at 1:00 pm on Thursday, October 11, also at the Crown Hill Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent Foundation (designate hospice), 8402 Harcourt Rd., Ste. 210, Indianapolis, IN 46260, 317-338-2338.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Adams
4 Entries
Jeannine Toon
October 10, 2018
Was so sorry to read of Tom passing. My Mother worked at the Hawthorn Room for a number of years she love Tommy as she called him an your family. Just wanted to let you know thinking of all of you at this time. Jeannine Gantz Toon Irene Gantz's daughter.
October 10, 2018
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Kathy Holmes
October 8, 2018
Thoughts and prayers for the Adams Family
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