Marco D. Adams

Marco D. Adams, affectionately known to all as Marco, passed away on October 18, 2025, in Topeka, KS, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Born in Topeka on April 19, 1963, Marco's infectious smile and boundless warmth touched many throughout his 62 years of life.
Marco was a true family man, deeply devoted to his beloved spouse, Belinda Atkins, and their child, Ashley, as well as other children, Justin Adams, Danielle Adams, and Tasheena Tyson. His legacy continues through his cherished grandchildren, Ma'Lani and Peyton House, Jalen Johnson, Sydney and Khloe Adams, Parker Gregory, and Tasheena's children, Sidka, Mika, Ta'Mekka, Alyka, and Zoriahka Tyson. His sister, Linda McNeil, and brothers, DeWayne (Christie), Keith (Sandy), and Yves Adams, will fondly remember his love and laughter. Marco's life was enriched by a host of many friends, family, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his brother Roosevelt Brown, his mother Lora Adams, and his niece and nephews, Monique Johnson, TJ Rushing, and Zach Adams.
A proud graduate of Highland Park High School in 1982, Marco's work ethic was as strong as his sense of community. He started his professional journey at Oshe Meats and later became a dedicated employee at Shawnee County Refuse department, where he worked tirelessly from May 1987 until his well-earned retirement in September 2020.
Marco's love for life was evident in his passion for sports, particularly his favorite football team, the KC Chiefs. His personality could best be described as friendly, funny, and passionate. Marco was the embodiment of the phrase "knows no stranger." He approached life with an open heart, treating everyone he met as a friend and engaging wholeheartedly with those around him.
After retirement, Marco found joy in being a stay-at-home Grandpa, affectionately known as Poppy. His granddaughters, Ma'Lani and Peyton, brought him immense happiness, and he cherished every moment spent with them.
As we remember Marco, we recall the words of Maya Angelou, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Marco made everyone feel like they mattered, and his memory will be a testament to the lives he touched with his kindness.
Marco's life was a beacon of how to live with love, laughter, and a genuine interest in the well-being of others. He will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on through the many lives he enriched with his compassion and warmth. Rest in peace, Marco. Your light will continue to shine in the hearts of those you loved and those who loved you.
A Celebration of Life will be held on November 14th at Lake Shawnee Shelter House #3 from 6:00 to 10:00 pm. To honor Marco the family requests that you wear KC Chiefs attire.