Bernard Fred Adam Jr.

Bernard Fred Adam, Jr. "Fred", the beloved patriarch of his family, passed away on January 6, 2025, at the age of 92, wrapped in a quilt made by his mother and with his wife by his side. Born the oldest of four boys on November 18, 1932, to Bernard Fred Adam, Sr. and Irene Hendrick Adam. Fred was a man whose life was marked by faith, integrity, and an unwavering love for his family.
Fred is preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 67 years, Lynette McGinty Adam, with whom he shared a deep, enduring bond. He is also survived by his children: Lezlie Adam Armour (John) and Bernard Fred Adam, III "Biff" (Rhonda); grandchildren: Jonathan Armour (Natalie), Ellen Armour Olive, Bernard Fred Adam, IV "Beau," Lindsay Adam Santos (Ricardo), and Andrew Armour, Sr. (Catherine "Cathy"); and great-grandchildren: Jonathan "Jay" Armour, Cooper Adam, Addison "Addie" Armour, Adam Olive, Anthony "Tony" Santos, Willow Olive, Wyatt Adam, Andrew Armour, Jr., Otto Olive, and William Armour, who were not only the pride and joy of his life, but also his neighbors. He was eagerly awaiting the arrival of his 11th great-grandchild, Thomas "Tommy" Armour, due early spring. By all of his grands and greats, and to many in the community, he was lovingly called, "Pa." He is also survived by his three younger brothers who were also his dear friends, Jerry Adam, Terry Adam, and Robert "Bob" Adam; and numerous nieces and nephews whom he loved.
A hardworking man, Fred dedicated his career to the insurance industry, but his true passions extended far beyond work. He found joy in riding his motorcycle through the beautiful mountains of Colorado and to his house in Hilltop Lakes, woodworking, playing 42, gin rummy, and solitaire, and cheering for his beloved Houston Rockets, Astros, and Oilers. True to his Adam name, he also loved creating and watching a good burn pile on the back of his land. His love for travel was shared with his wife, as they explored the United States in their RV, creating memories along the way. He also loved to play basketball with his grandkids in the driveway and was often the victor in their games of "horse".
Fred's faith was the cornerstone of his life. He served his church in many capacities, including as a deacon, usher, Sunday school leader, teacher of Mission Friends, and leader of many mission trips. He also served on the board of directors at Mission Centers of Houston, where he contributed his time and wisdom. His commitment to mentoring many men left an indelible mark on the lives of those he guided.
Known for his German stature and personality, Fred had a strong sense of right and wrong and lived with utmost integrity. He was a man of quiet strength, often compared to a mighty oak tree, with deep roots that offered shade and support to many.
Fred was a steadfast supporter of his wife, always cheering her on as she traveled and pursued her talents, offering his quiet encouragement behind the scenes. He was truly the "wind beneath her wings."
A lover of simple pleasures, Fred especially loved sausage, dessert, and peanuts in the shell-like those served at a ballgame. He was a loyal customer at James Coney Island, where he was a familiar face to many. Fred also had a stately sense of style, often greeting friends and strangers alike at church, where he proudly wore his fancy hats. His shirt pocket was never lacking a pen, a pocket knife, or a tube of Carmex.
Through all the challenges life threw his way-heart attacks, strokes, myasthenia gravis, dementia, diabetes, COVID-19, and even being the oldest living survivor of Merkel cell carcinoma-Fred showed resilience and grit. He was born during the Great Depression and lived through World War II, the Civil Rights Movement, the moon landing, and the rise of the internet, witnessing the world change in profound ways.
Fred's life was a testament to his faith and strength. As it is written in Psalm 1:3: "He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does."
Fred was a man whose life touched countless others. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy of love, strength, and integrity will continue to live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who were fortunate to know him.
A visitation will be held Wednesday evening, January 15, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Klein Funeral Home - Champions. A celebration of Fred's life will be held at Champion Forest Baptist Church, 15555 Stuebner Airline Rd., Houston, on Friday, January 17, 2025, at 11 a.m. in the chapel.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Mission Centers of Houston.