Marvin John Adam

Marvin John Adam, of Rolla, MO, passed away Saturday, March 7, 2026 at the age of 83.

He was born on October 13, 1942 in Phelps County, MO to the late Herman Adam and Pauline (Wylie) Adam. In addition to his parents, Marvin was also preceded in death by his first wife, Carolyn (Bowen) Adam in 2019; his second wife, Carol (Willy) Bartle Adam in 2024; his grandchild, Amanda Wells; three sisters, Varonica Ragan, Charlotte Bates and Cynthia Shults; two brothers, David "Moose" Adam and Steve Adam; and two stepsons, Terry Bartle and Tracy Bartle.

Marvin has been a lifelong resident of Phelps County. He graduated from Rolla High School in 1960. In his early years, he worked at Sam's Tire Shop. He then started a family of which he had three children. While he was working at the Bureau of Mines, raising his family, he studied many late nights and graduated with a Metallurgy Engineering Degree from UMR. He married the love of his life, Carol. He went on to retire from the Bureau of Mines. He wasn't quite ready to be fully retired and wanted to dabble in real estate. He became a Home Inspector and a Real Estate Appraiser, during his retirement.

Farming was always a part of his daily routine but in his later years became his true passion. Tending to his farm animals, manicuring the land and living with nature brought great joy to him. He managed cattle, chickens, rabbits, quail, and many other critters on his farm at different times in his life but he always had Beagles and more recently, his best buddy "Ted Bear", a Mini Aussie. He was a successful fisherman, in many different lakes, local ponds and the Dry Fork Creek behind his house. He could catch a fish, filet the fish, fry it and eat it and never leave his boat. He was an avid hunter and an excellent marksman. He had a green thumb. He grew the sweetest, juiciest tomatoes and his fresh homemade salsa was a hit at every fish fry on the patio.

Marvin was a great teacher of many life skills, always ready to pass on his wisdom. He was an excellent storyteller as well, making days with "Grandpa" unforgettable. He was loving, kind, caring and dedicated to his family and friends, always ready to lend a helping hand. All of these things are a fraction of who Marvin was, but what he cherished the most in his life was hunting, fishing, gardening, working the land and enjoying the great outdoors with his kids and grandkids.

Marvin will be greatly missed by his surviving family which includes: two sons, Darin Adam of Rolla, MO and Derek Adam of Columbia, MO; one daughter, Danica Hawkins and husband, Richie of Rolla, MO; two stepdaughters, Chris Bartle and partner, Steve Sturgeon, and Kelly Bartle, both of Rolla, MO; two brothers, Randy Adam and partner, Del Nichelson of Rolla, MO and Jerry Adam and wife, Gloria of Forsyth, MO; one sister, Melody Glick and husband, Tim of Rolla, MO; a sister-in-law, Donna Adam of Rolla, MO; eleven grandchildren, Robert Mixson, Noah Adam, Hayden Hawkins, Kyra Hawkins, Hayley Adam, Travis Tune, Jodie Haas, Kenna Richards, Chase Bartle, Madison Bartle, and Austin Keeney; several great grandchildren; extended family; and many, many friends.

A funeral service for Marvin J. Adam will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Monday, March 16, 2026 at the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Rolla. A visitation for family and friends will be held prior to the service beginning at 11 a.m. at the church.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Peace Lutheran Cemetery