Eric L "Fluf" Adams

 

   Eric Linn Adams, one of two sons of Robert D. and Panzy (Reeves) Adams, was born April 16, 1961, in Auburn, Nebraska.  He grew up in Peru, Nebraska and attended Peru Elementary School.  Eric went to Middle and High Schools in Auburn, graduating in 1980.  Growing up he loved riding motorcycles, hunting, and fishing.  He later attended the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Academy Basic #105.

   On February 21, 1981, Eric was united in marriage to Pamela J. Simmons, his high school sweetheart.  They made their home in rural Auburn and would be blessed with a son, Lee, and twin daughters Joni, and Jeni.

   A multi-talented man, Eric worked at many jobs throughout his life.  While in high school he worked as a shop hand at Clark International in Auburn.  He worked for several farmers, including Bob Lowery, Lavell Clark, Dick Moody, and Glade Goings.  Eric was a welder’s helper with People’s Natural Gas and a welder at ACI in Auburn, as well as an assistant to Dennis Wheeler with his many businesses.  He would also work later in life as a cook at Bowldog Alley in Auburn.

   In 1984 Eric began his path to the career he loved.  He went to work part time as a dispatcher for the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Department, which turned into a full-time position as a Deputy Sheriff.  In 1992 he joined the Auburn Police Department, rising in the ranks to Sergeant and at one point as Acting Chief of Police.  Eric then rejoined the Sheriff’s Department as a Deputy for Nemaha County.  It was while on duty June 15, 2016, Eric suffered a stroke which left him disabled and forced him to stop working and doing what he loved.  He had spent over 32 years in law enforcement.  As a side note, Eric worked security at Peru State College for a concert with Pat Benatar and over in Brownville at T.J.’s for Willie Nelson.  He also worked security for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life in Auburn.

   Eric was a member of the Auburn Christian Church, having been baptized in 2005.  He was a Cub Scout Leader, Auburn City-Rec Coach, and served as President of the School Board for District #6 Cochran School.  Eric was a member of the Auburn Eagles Club, Nemaha County Giving Hope Cancer Fund, and the Auburn Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad, where he was qualified as an EMT.  Eric was part of a group in 1999, that began to address child passenger safety in Nemaha County.  That work quickly expanded to overall childhood injury prevention throughout southeast Nebraska, resulting in the formation of the Southeast Safety for Kids Coalition, which is still helping children today.

   Surrounded by family, Eric passed away at his home near Auburn on Thursday, December 28, 2023, at the age of 62 years, 8 months, and 12 days.  He was preceded in death by his father Robert, father-in-law (and friend) Ron Simmons, his grandparents, many aunts and uncles, and his little angel Skye Seitz.

   Eric is remembered with love by his wife Pam of Auburn; son Lee and wife Kelsey of Council Bluffs, IA; daughters Joni and husband Andrew Falk of Auburn, Jeni and husband Nathan Seitz of Auburn; grandchildren Harley, Jack, Elle, Sophie, Casey; mother Panzy Adams of Auburn; brother James (Rebecca) Adams of Lawson, MO; mother-in-law Carol Simmons of Nemaha; sister-in-law Lisa (George) Schmidt of Tecumseh; nephews Lance Adams, Collin (Kirstin) Adams, Jordan (Marissa) Schmidt; great-nieces Bellemy Adams, Morgan Schmidt; great-nephews Roran and Elijah Schmidt; aunts, uncles, cousins, and many, many friends.

A funeral service will be Saturday, January 6, 2024, 10:30 a.m. at the ACC Family Life Center.  Burial will follow in Nemaha Cemetery at Nemaha.  Visitation will be at the funeral home Friday 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with family greeting friends from 6:00 to 8:00.

Casual dress encouraged for Saturday's funeral service.  

Watch Eric's funeral service via the Auburn Christian Church website here.

Memorials are suggested to family choice.