Marvin John Adam

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

Born on October 13, 1942, in Phelps County, Missouri, to Herman and Pauline (Wylie) Adam, Marvin was a lifelong resident of the area. He graduated from Rolla High School in 1960 and began his working life at Sam’s Tire Shop. While employed at the Bureau of Mines and raising his three children, he studied late into the nights and earned a degree in Metallurgical Engineering from UMR. He later married the love of his life, Carol. After retiring from the Bureau of Mines, he pursued a second career as a home inspector and real estate appraiser.

Farming remained a constant thread throughout Marvin’s life and became his true passion in his later years. He tended cattle, chickens, rabbits, quail, and other animals over the decades, always accompanied by his beloved Beagles and, most recently, his faithful companion Ted Bear, a Mini Aussie. An accomplished fisherman, he could catch, clean, cook, and eat his catch without leaving his boat on local lakes, ponds, or Dry Fork Creek. He was an avid hunter, a skilled marksman, and a gifted gardener whose sweet tomatoes and fresh homemade salsa were favorites at every patio fish fry. Above all, Marvin was a patient teacher and masterful storyteller who loved sharing his knowledge and time with his children and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Carolyn (Bowen) Adam, in 2019; his second wife, Carol (Willy) Bartle Adam, in 2024; his granddaughter, 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 is survived by his children: sons Darin Adam of Rolla and Derek Adam of Columbia; daughter Danica Hawkins and her husband Richie of Rolla; stepdaughters Chris Bartle and partner Steve Sturgeon, and Kelly Bartle, both of Rolla; brothers Randy Adam and partner Del Nichelson of Rolla, and Jerry Adam and wife Gloria of Forsyth; sister Melody Glick and husband Tim of Rolla; sister-in-law Donna Adam of Rolla; 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 dear friends.