John T. Adams

December 23, 1930 - September 24, 2021

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How do you capture this man?…his legacy, imprint, and impact on the world… The words are only a dim glimpse…
John T. Adams MD, 90, of Midland, Texas – cherished and devoted husband, Daddy, Grandaddy, mentor, and friend joined his bride of 65 years, Martha Scharbauer Adams, in heaven September 24, 2021. A joyous reunion together with their oldest son, Steve Adams.

Meeting at Baylor University and marrying on June 11, 1955, Martha and John shared a life of service and adventure for 64 years until Martha went to her Heavenly Home in 2019. Martha, also a Baylor grad and a nurse, journeyed with John through medical school at Southwestern (1957), private practice in Seminole, a career in medical missions in East Africa with the Southern Baptist International Mission board, medical practice in Texas then a transition to managing the AP Scharbauer Ranch in Seminole TX well into their 80s. John and Martha raised their five kids, preparing them for the world or the world for them – Steve Adams (deceased), Jim Adams, Linda Witte, Cinda Brooks and John Adams Jr. “Chipper”.

John celebrates a heavenly reunion with his parents, B. T. Adams and Irene Kitchen Adams, three sisters and a brother. He is hugely missed by his brother Bill, sister Virginia, family, friends, and many others he opened his home and heart to on three different continents.

With his passion for adventure, nature, helping others and bumping boundaries, John led his family through a life of serving, volunteering, backpacking, motorcycle racing, birdwatching, camping, cycling, running, rock climbing all over the world. While John loved all of this, his greatest passion was for God and family. He loved fiercely and was loved deeply.
He leaves behind family and friends who miss him deeply and who have been forever imprinted by this amazing man. He is a legend and leaves behind a legacy, he “walked the walk” of faith, love, family, and compassion.

John’s transition to his forever home was peaceful and spiritual with family on and around his bed under the amazing care of Hospice Midland. Special thanks go to Patrice and Jennifer who loved, served, and guided him. To honor their father’s humble ways, the family has decided not to have a memorial service, they are grateful to all those who graced John and Martha’s life and family with love and friendship.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that you spend a few moments doing what he loved to do . . . cherishing family, friends, the moment, nature, and God. Donations are not requested or expected, but if inclined he would have directed you to Hospice Midland (hospiceofmidland.org).

John and Martha Adams selflessly gave their lives to love and serve. Lives well lived…showing how to live life well. Tutaonana (Swahili for “Until We Meet Again”) Daddy, John, Grandaddy, mentor, and friend … Bwana Asifiwe (“God Be Praised”)

How do you capture this man?…his legacy, imprint, and impact on the world… The words are only a dim glimpse… John T. Adams MD, 90, of Midland, Texas – cherished and devoted husband, Daddy, Grandaddy, mentor, and friend joined his bride of 65 years, Martha Scharbauer Adams, in heaven September 24, 2021. A joyous reunionContinue Reading

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Please say Hello to my Mom!

Uncle John was my Mother (Mabelle Elaine Adams) brother. He has always been my favorite of our extended family. Unlike many in our family, John was Not judgmental, nor did he use religion to persecute those who might not have believed as he did. He put whatever "faith" he had into serving others. He was an inspiration. I remember going shopping with him. At a supermarket he taught me that store brands were as good as name brands. He also taught me to examine the "Price per ounce," to determine the value of a product. In 1968, My Mom took me to visit Uncle John and his family in Africa. It is an adventure of which I still have vivid memories. Once while we were driving in the LandRover, and my Mom was riding on the roof to take animal photos... we approached a tree where Lions were resting in the branches. I was scared for my Mom... and cried. Uncle John back-handed me in the mouth and said, "Be Quiet!" It shocked me into silence, but I never held it against him. Growing up with a step-father who never gave me even the time of day, Uncle John was the example shown me by my Mom, of what a Father should be to his family. I must admit that I have always been jealous of my Adams cousins... for having had My Uncle John as their Daddy!

In memory of John T. Adams, Heinz & Edelgard Battermann lit a candle

My prayers are with you in the Homegoing of your Dad. Your Mother & Daddy mean so much to me and were such a blessing to me in a time of need. We also had such a happy time of blessing as we traveled to the River to minister across the Rio Grande together in the villages there. Their impact on my life is eternal and I look forward to sharing Heaven with John and Martha (and your Grandparents and all of you.) You are in my heart and prayers.

Yes, my first husband Dr. Norman Halbrooks appreciated the effort Dr. Adams did to show him around Kenya. Two great docs! Carolyn Halbrooks Bain

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

You are in our thoughts and prayers

I was a journeyman missionary for the SBC in Nairobi from 78-80 and had to chance to go on some camping and rock climbing outings with John during that time. John and Martha were inspirations to so many. God speed, Blake

I have you in my prayers as you face your dear father's loss. Thinking of each of you and sending love.

Your family means so much to me, and I am so very sorry for the loss of Uncle John. He was a legend but also so down-to-earth and profoundly caring. I volunteered in the Mathari Valley Clinic with him and your Mom and was so moved by their compassion and dedication in caring for others. The world was a better place for having them here. Sending thoughts of love and comfort to you and your family.

We've known your dad for 65 years. Sometimes during the months between classes, I would go as John's "pharmacist.." I remember one time we were going to a movie in Nairobi and John saw a dead bird and he asked that I keep it in the freezer for him. About two years later, I finally threw it out. I vividly remember the time when he had black water fever and dismissed himself from the hospital to go home to die. He gave me a complete library of William Barclays commentaries on the New Testament, which I've used for some fifty years. What a useful gift. Martha was determined that John was not going to die and nursed him back to health. What a ministry they had in Mathari Valley. I think Jim encouraged him to go into fishing, especially in the Abadare Mountains. Dan Boone and Rhea were visiting us on the 24th and we were talking about you all and she shared some of the times she shared a room with Linda at Baylor School of Nursing. We were remembering visiting with John and Linda in Kenya, I think it was in 1998. Dan and Rhea were serving in Nigeria. I remember golfing with John outside Nairobi at an elevation of about 6,000 feet and I was coming from Harlingen with an elevation of 35 feet. I could hardly keep up with John's long legs! What a blessing it was to sit outside in the morning with a cup of hot tea and watch "Kili" without its cloud cover. But just think, as great as Africa is, Heaven will be even better! We have more friends there than here and we look forward to a great roundup in the near future. Hazel had a stroke in 2020 and we moved to Allen close to Joel. Hazel and I have been married for 66 years. Although you know where your parents are, it is still difficult to not be able to reach out to them for advice and encouragement. By the way, I also seem to remember an incident at Baylor which involved a camel! Love you all.

Beautiful. You honored both of your parents in the way you cared for and loved them. Well done. Prayers, love, and hugs from us. We are with you in Spirit, in this time of joy and sorrow.

“When someone you love becomes a Memory. The memory becomes a Treasure.”May your memories sustain you through the coming time. Please accept my deepest condolences.

There are no words that can ever express the love and gratitude of our family to John and Martha Adams - two of the greatest and most generous people that we will ever have the privilege of knowing. We shared so many wonderful experiences together in Africa. Our lives were changed because of them. I know I speak for my family when I say they will never be forgotten.

Dear Jim Linda, Cinda, Chip, grandkids, and family, I am sad to hear of the passing of your dad and granddaddy. He was also a legend for me and my family. In the early 70's, he welcomed my physician dad to come and volunteer in the medical work in East Africa. We heard all kinds of stories of our dad's adventures with your dad. This volunteer work overseas built in us kids a concern for helping others and sharing God's Word around the world. In a few weeks, we will reach 50 years since our dad and your dad were in a near fatal vehicle accident on the Kenya roads, I believe in the autumn of 1971. That didn't deter my dad as he came home and began to plan a trip for the summer of 1973 for my dad, mom, me, and two younger siblings. We were to visit the medical work in Kenya and other Baptist medical work dad had worked with. I already had a calling from God to serve him as a "foreign" missionary. this trip began to cement that calling. I have memories of camping where we woke up to first see elephant prints around our tents, and then to see Maasai approaching with herds of cattle to drink from the water behind us. He took me far closer to an elephant with the van door opened than I would ever dare to think. He put us on the local bus to ride with all kinds of locals and livestock through Maasai villages down to Tanzania. Twenty years later, God gave my family the opportunity to serve with Linda and her family there in Kenya. Thank you Dr. Adams for including my dad in your work.

I am sorry for your loss. My sincere condolences to the whole Adams family. May his memory be blessed. And may your memories comfort you.

An Beautiful tribute to your amazing Dad My deepest condolences to your family and friends 🙏

Uncle John Taught me so Much. We were so different and he taught me to look at the World Differently. One of the Most Brilliant Men I have Ever Known. He was 1000 % committed to His Beliefs. I am Thankful and Honored to have him in my Life. I will Turn my vehicle off at Red Light Today. BEEP BEEP UNCLE JOHN REST IN PEACE

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.