Howard Charles Adams

Howard Charles Adams, 62, of St. Joseph passed away Saturday morning, December 5, 2020. He was at the home he built for his parents surrounded by his loving family on Paw Paw Lake in Coloma, MI. Howard was born August 8, 1958 in Sturgis, MI, the oldest son of Charles and Mary (Spaniola) Adams. He graduated from River Valley High School where he set a track record and excelled in the building and trades program. He went on to Ferris State University graduating with Business and Building and Construction degrees. While at Ferris holding 22 credit hours, he worked at the Pine Shops building furniture. He married Kelly Ann Byrne of Bloomfield Hills and the following year they welcomed a baby boy, Wesley Charles, before graduating and relocating to Colorado. Returning to St. Joseph after 5 years, Kelly, Howard, and Wesley settled into a home on Lion’s Park Drive and started the restoration of that historic structure. This led to the purchase and restoration of 4 more properties and the start of weekly rentals to tourists visiting Michigan’s great Southwest. These rental properties were uniquely decorated and featured in The Herald Palladium. Their bright colors of pink, yellow, purple, and aqua gave a festive resort look to the Silver Beach community. In the summer of 1998, they welcomed another baby boy, Logan Howard, who was named after Logan Drake, the founder of the Silver Beach Amusement Park. Howard was an extraordinary Carpenter and artist. He remodeled the Grande Mere Inn while still in High School. Jack Sparks, CEO of Whirlpool commissioned him to carve Bacchus, the wine god, on his wine cellar door. A celebratory dinner was held at its installation. He specialized in astonishing custom finish work for many high-profile clients on their Lake Michigan homes. Challenges intrigued him. Some of his last projects included a Lake Michigan sea wall with multiple landings and stairs saving the bluff from erosion, and a custom home that will serve as a permanent monument to his craftsmanship. He has made a significant impact across Southwest Michigan and his work will continue to speak for him for many years to come. Generous with his gift and a master of his craft, he was a mentor to many with whom he worked. Many carpenters will tell you they learned what they know from “Howie”. He was very proud of his work but never boastful, like another carpenter, St. Joseph, who was also very humble. Outside of his work, Howie enjoyed boating, fishing, windsurfing, gardening, supporting his sons, listening to music (loud), and being with friends and family. Howie and Kelly’s home at Silver Beach has always had an “open door” policy where all were welcome to stop by and share a laugh. Howie leaves so many friends who love him, and a family devastated by their loss. He is survived by his wife, Kelly, sons, Wes (wife Andi) and Logan, brothers, Jeff (wife Trish), and Chris (wife Carrie), a sister, Theresa Bruza, his parents, Chuck and Mary Adams, and 11 loving nieces and nephews. A Graveside Service will be held on Thursday, December 10, 2020 at 2:00 P.M. Guests attending are asked to please wear a mask and maintain social distancing. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at a later date. A Celebration of life will be on his birthday, Sunday, August 8, 2021. Memorials may be made to the family in care of Kelly Adams. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.