Ben Adams

Retired U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Ben Leroy Adams, 81, passed away Sept. 25, 2010.

A Montana native, he was born April 12, 1929, the seventh of eight children, to Frank and Fannie Judkins Adams in Havre. He grew up and graduated from high school in Whitefish.

Ben joined the Navy in 1948 and served with distinction for more than 30 years. He was a veteran of the Korea War, where he was awarded a Presidential Unit Citation. He also served in Vietnam from 1968-1969, where he earned the Bronze Star, and both a Presidential and Naval Unit Citation.

A Mustang, he retired in 1977 with, among other honors, a Joint Service Commendation medal. During his naval career, Ben served aboard the USS Leary, Juneau, St. Paul, Wrangell and Wilkinson. In Vietnam, he served in Saigon and Da Nang and as officer in charge in Cua Viet. He retired in Naples, Italy, after serving there in three consecutive NATO commands.

Pen pals for five years, Ben and Monique were married for 56 years and made a home for their family in Italy, England and France, in addition to the U.S. They shared a love of nature and animals and enjoyed hiking and camping.

He is survived by his wife; son Frank Adams, of Virginia Beach, Va.; and daughter Anne Hubbard and husband Kirk, of Polson.

A local service is not planned, as interment will take place at a later time in France.

Memorial donations may be made to the Plaza Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 2128, Virginia Beach VA 23450-2128; or to the North West Montana Veterans Food Pantry, 1349 Hwy. 2 East, Kalispell MT 59901 (veteransfoodpantry.org).