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Joe lived a life marked by service, community involvement, and a passion for collecting and crafting.

Joe Adams, Jr., aged 96, of Hemphill, Texas, passed away on October 2, 2026. Born on February 11, 1930, in Louann, Arkansas to Joe Adams Sr. and Arie Collins Adams, Joe lived a life marked by service, community involvement, and a passion for collecting and crafting.

Joe served in the United States Air Force for 21 years, where he participated in significant missions such as the Berlin Air Lift and the Pedro Rescue Missions. After his military service, he continued to serve his community as a firefighter, eventually becoming the Fire Chief for the Clearlake Fire Department. Upon retiring, Joe settled in Hemphill and indulged in his hobbies of metal detecting, collecting old bottles and arrowheads, and crafting walking canes and jewelry from gemstones.

An active member of his community, Joe enjoyed working at the Farmer's Market in Hemphill, where he sold antiques and his handcrafted items, and cherished socializing and sharing stories of his Air Force experiences.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Avis Pearl Adams; his parents; his son, Dale Adams; son-in-law, Jerry Van Landingham; and daughter-in-law, Julie Adams. He is survived by his children, Ronnie Adams of Bacliff, Glen Adams and wife, Maria, of Hawaii, Joe Adam Field and wife, Betty, of Minnesota, Karen Van Landingham of Bacliff, Debra Pietz and husband, Robert, of Brookeland, Patsy Adams of Garden City, Michigan, and Faith Mack and husband, Clendon, of Dickinson, Texas; daughter-in-law, Desa Adams; 22 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.

Joe also enjoyed fishing, hunting, and playing poker, activities that reflected his love for the outdoors and spirited competition.

Funeral services for Joe Adams, Jr. will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at Starr Funeral Home Chapel, 510 Starr Street in Hemphill, Texas, with Dr. Clifford Grounds officiating. Visitation will take place from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service.

Burial will follow services in Gravel Hill Cemetery with the Sabine County Honor Guard providing Military Honors.  Serving as pallbearers are Ronnie Adams, Jr., Jimmy Ayers, Ryan Van Landingham, Preston Malone, Wade Malone, Adam Garlock, Mark Garlock and Curtis Mack.  Honorary pallbearers are Craig Ayers, Travis Van Landingham, Donnie Garlock and Kyle Adams.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rayburn Baptist Church, 156 FM1007, Brookeland, Texas 75931. Starr Funeral Home of Hemphill, Texas, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Joe's family and friends will have lunch after the graveside service at Hemphill VFW. Contributions to the luncheon would be greatly appreciated and can be dropped off after 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 7, 2026.  

Memories and condolences may be shared at starrfuneralhome.com.