Delilah Porter "Lila" Adams

Delilah (Lila) Porter Adams, 85, of California, MO passed away on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at her home. She was born on April 27, 1939 in McKees Rock, PA the daughter of William G. Porter and Geraldine R. (Coon) Porter both of whom preceded her in death. Lila later graduated from Montour Joint High School and went on to attend Pasadena College, University of Missouri and Southwest Baptist University. Lila was instrumental in the development of professional emergency care in Missouri and was one of the first paramedics to bring advanced life support to the community. She went on to work in Jefferson City for the State Government Agency who wrote and enforced laws to bring better emergency service to the citizens of the state. She was a staunch advocate for the improvement of ambulance services and people of rural Missouri and promoted improved education for the EMT's and Paramedics licensed in Missouri as well as on the National level. Lila's main purpose in life was devoted to the happiness and well-being of her family. She loved telling them that she came to Missouri in 1970 and "Look What I Started". Started "Yes" but the accomplishments are all theirs and no one could be prouder of them. The other joy in Lila's life was her many unique and special pets that brought so much pleasure, not only to her life, but in sharing them with the children. She was a life long member of the ASPCA and local animal shelter. Her children were raised with horses, dogs, cats, a racoon and even a baby Blue Jay they brought home from the park. One outstanding pet was her first African Gray Parrot, Piper and then a rescued African Gray she named Amazin. These wonderful birds would entertain her all day long. 04/27/19Lila is survived by her son, Brett Adams and wife Melanie of California, MO; daughter, Geraldine "Jerri" A. Adams of Jefferson City, MO; 5 grandchildren, Tawnya Clause, Elaina Howser, Michael Lehman, Jacob Adams and Katie Adams; 7 great grandchildren, Elly Clause, Emilia Clause, Mason Howser, Miles Howser, Mila Lehman, Bryleigh Lehman and Huxley Lehman; stepson, Mike Hoose. She is preceded in death by two brothers and a stepdaughter, Diana Skaggs. Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 9, 2025 from 12 Noon- 1:00 P.M. with the funeral immediately following at 1:00 P.M. all at the funeral home. Officiating will be Rev. Jeremy Barnard. Interment will follow at the California City Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Central Missouri Humane Society. Arrangements are under the direction of Bowlin-Cantriel Funeral Services of California, MO.