Mervin Paul Adams (Merv) passed away in San Diego on March 12, 2021 after a long, giving, fulfilling and happy life.  Some would say "he had a good run".

Merv was preceded in death by the passing of his wife of 58 years Peggy in July 2012.

Merv was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on January 20 th , 1931.  He had a brother, James (Buddy), and a half sister, Linda.  After spending most of Merv's early years in Utah and New Mexico, his family moved to San Diego, where he attended San Diego High School and San Diego City College.

Merv enlisted in the Air Force in May 1950 as an Airman Basic.  He ultimately ended up flying in and out of Westover AFB in Massachusetts as a Staff Sergeant "Load Master".   Along the way he attended specialized training in Florida.  He flew as a "Load Master" throughout the world, including Greenland, Iceland, most of Europe, South America and Korea.  His time in Korea was some of his most memorable.  It was during his time being based at Westover that he met the love of his life, Peggy.  Peggy was also enlisted in the Air Force, flying as a "Air Crew Member" in and out of Westover AFB.  Details get a bit blurred about this time, and conveniently Merv and Peggy couldn't recall all the details, but they were married in Holyoke, Massachusetts on May 13, 1954.

Peggy was forced to be discharged immediately after getting married.  Apparently, women were not allowed to be married and serve in our country's armed forces.  (We've come a long way).  She was Honorably Discharged on May 27 th , 1954.  She had earned a "Air Crew Member Badge" and a "National Defense Service Medal" for her service, and a check for $400.97 with her discharge.

Merv was Honorably Discharged on May 25 th , 1954.  He had earned a "United Nations Service Medal", a "National Defense Service Medal", a "Korean Service Medal", and a "Good Conduct Medal", and a check for $719.06 with his discharge.

So, with their new found wealth, they drove across country to San Diego.  Merv applied for and received a VA Loan ($80.00 a month) and attended San Diego City College and received a A.A. Degree.  After working a few different jobs, Merv went to work for the Union Tribune Publishing Company on August 4 th , 1954.  He worked in the Circulation Department.  He proudly retired from this job in 1993, giving both him and Peggy what they enjoyed most, travelling in their motorhome.  They spent extended amounts of time all over the western states, visiting every single National Park along the way.  They visited Alaska twice, and spent several extended stays as docents at the Yaquina Head lighthouse in Newport, Oregon.  Merv often described himself and Peggy as "Lighthouse Nuts".

Merv and Peggy always had a very strong appreciation for their community, and were both very proud, yet humble, of their military service.  This is reflected in both Merv's and Peggy's commitments to volunteering as often as possible.  Besides Merv being McGruff the Dog, delivering for Meals on Wheels, ushering at the Poway Performing Arts Center, participating in the RSVP program with the San Diego Police Department, tutoring elementary age children at the local public schools, Merv also volunteered at the VA often calling bingo, working at the various Veterans Stand Downs, and serving Pancake Breakfasts at Camp Pendleton.

Merv was fortunate to be asked and participate as a member of Honor Flight (May 2018).  We all know how thrilled and thankful he was for this opportunity.

Merv enjoyed sharing his home with all of his family, friends and neighbors.  He annually went overboard and put out his Christmas decorations, including his pride and joy, his legendary and much anticipated Christmas Village.  He loved having his buddies over for music on Monday evenings, Friday dinners with neighbors, and political debates often supported by a bottle, or 2, of wine.

Merv is survived by his 4 children – Teri, Mike, Patti, and Mark, 7 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren.  He adored every member of his family.  Merv was also blessed to have as nieces 2 incredible ladies, Cathie and Fran.  He always considered both Cathie and Fran, their husbands and extended families as a large part of his life.  From Merv, thank you.

Merv missed his first Padres opening day this past week.  His daughter Teri has season tickets, and the real debate is who was the biggest Padre fan.  Teri always took her dad to opening day.  Go Padres.

We will miss him every day.  He has taught all us so very much.