Toby Lane Adams was born in El Dorado, Kansas on February 7th, 1969, to James Richard and Sharon Lynn (Kelley) Adams. He passed away on Sunday, September 5th, 2021, at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas after a 28-day battle with Covid. Toby attended school in Fort Scott, Kansas, El Dorado, Kansas and Altoona, Kansas. After high school he served in the Army as a munitions specialist and was honorably discharged in 1997. Later in life Toby completed his degree in Electrical Engineering from Pittsburg State University in 2008.
Toby loved everything outdoors. Fishing, hunting, snorkeling, bike riding, and gardening. His final years were spent working in Fort Scott, Kansas as an Electrical Engineer at a local printing manufacturer for just over 20 years. With Toby’s entire being, he embodied the unwritten “Adams Creed”.
- Work hard, no matter how taxing the task at hand; see it through until the end.
- Play harder, especially with the littles! Take time to enjoy a good meal, catch a few crappie, watch the birds, enjoy the outdoors, or add to your antique collection. Life is too short to miss those moments of joy.
- Rest when needed because tomorrow you have to work.
- You are your own worst critic; don’t let others add to your baggage.
- Always be willing to learn more.
- Failure is not an option; you should have learned more the first time.
- Speak the truth, but don’t always show your hand.
- When you do show your hand, be direct and to the point. Yeah…. probably not going to sugar coat it.
- Keep your life private except to those most loyal to you. Then share as needed.
- Stand up for what you believe in, even if it means standing alone.
- Save that money…….well, unless you need a new toy.
- Friends are family you choose for yourself.
- When you love, love fiercely!
Toby was preceded in death by his father, maternal grandparents, and paternal grandparents. Survivors include a son, Peyton Adams; mother, Sharon Smith; siblings Jamie (Bob) Beckham, Dean (Felicia) Adams, Joel Smith, and Kirk Adams; several nieces and nephews; and multiple close friends whom Toby considered family.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 6th, 2021, at Gunn Park Shelter house #1 at 10:00 a.m.
Casual clothing is encouraged and those that ride the Gunn Park trails are asked to wear riding gear and bring their bikes for Toby’s final trail ride and cold beverage following the service.
Private burial will be at a later date TBD.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Gunn Park Trails, payable to City of Fort Scott, and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.