Donald F. Adams

Friday, Jan. 13, 2023

September 25, 1935 ~ December 22, 2022

Dr. Donald F. Adams, emeritus professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Wyoming and president of Wyoming Test Fixtures, Inc. Salt Lake City, passed away at his Millcreek home of complications from COVID-19. 

Donald was born September 25, 1935, in Streator, Illinois, the oldest of three children to Margaret and Fred Adams. He received his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Illinois in 1957, and married his hometown sweetheart Roberta Rush on June 22, 1957, at Immaculate Conception Church in Streator, Illinois. The newlyweds moved to Southern California, where Don worked as an engineer at Northrop Aircraft Corporation in Hawthorne. While working he also attended the University of Southern California and received his Master of Science in mechanical engineering in 1960. Donald and Roberta then returned to Champagne, Illinois, with their two children David and Daniel, where he received his Ph.D. in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics from the University of Illinois in 1963. After graduating, the family moved back to Newport Beach, California, where Don worked at the Aeronutronic Division of Ford Motor Company. They moved to Malibu in 1967 when Don joined the Rand Corporation in Santa Monica. During this second stay in Southern California, the family expanded with the birth of Douglas and Jayne.

In 1972, Don joined the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Wyoming, and the family moved from Malibu, California, to Laramie, Wyoming. Don started the Composite Materials Research Group shortly after his arrival and served as its director for 27 years. In 1988, Don started Wyoming Test Fixtures Inc., which he worked at until his passing. 

Upon retirement, Don and Roberta moved to Salt Lake City to be closer to family.  Roberta passed away from Alzheimer’s in 2011. Don was given the gift of a second love and married Valerie Moenich on May 19, 2018. 

Don is survived by his wife Valerie; children Dan (Cate) Adams of Salt Lake City, Doug (Bridget) Adams of Denver, Colorado, and Jayne Adams (Gary) of Cheyenne, Wyoming; grandchildren Annie (Tom), Cassie (Brandon), Adam (Becca), Brian (Alex), Elena and Jack; stepgrandchildren Amalia and August; stepdaughter Christine (George), Salt Lake City and great-grandson Beckham. He was preceded in death by his wife Roberta and his oldest son, the Reverend David A. Adams.

A funeral Mass was celebrated on December 28, 2022 at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, Salt Lake City. In lieu of flowers, please be a philanthropist by donating to your favorite charity in his honor.