Vernon “Vern” Earl Adams, 85, of Jacksonville, passed from this life on Sunday, June 26, 2016 at Palatka Health Care Center following an extended illness. He was born in Kansas City, Missouri to Emmett and Frances Adams. Vern was a devoted family man and lived for his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 46 years Dorothy Adams, one son Steven Alfred Adams, one brother Eugene Adams, and one sister Thelma Sprowls. He leaves behind his wife of 17 years Barbara Adams. He is survived by two sons and their families: Vernon Lee Adams (wife Cynthia) and David Ray Adams (wife Peri), grandson Steven “Danny” Adams, granddaughter Stephanie Adams, granddaughter Jennifer Adams, grandson Josh Adams, grandson Bryan Aldridge and grandson Matt Tanksley and five great-grandchildren. Vernon also picked up a large family which he loved when he married Barbara, including two daughters, 6 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild. Vernon served his country faithfully as he retired from the U.S. Navy and then again from the Federal Police. He was passionate about the Masonic Lodge and its various branches such as the Blue Lodge, Rainbow Girls, York Rite, and Shrine. He was known as Uncle Vern by the girls, served as the Illustrious Grand Master of the State of Florida for the York Rite, drove thousands of miles transporting crippled and burned children with the Shrine. As a result of his service to others he received numerous honors from the Lodge. Vernon lived a good life and as a Christian he was ready to meet Jesus in Heaven. He was also an outdoors man who enjoyed hunting and fishing throughout his life. Graveside services will be at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, July 2, 2016 at Riverside Memorial Park (I-295 & Normandy Bvld.) in Jacksonville with Rev. Vernon Harkey officiating. Stafford Caldwell Lodge #342 F&AM will conduct Masonic rites and the U.S. Navy will bestow full military honors. Donations in his honor can be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 12502 USF Pine Dr., Tampa, FL 33612 and designate for the Transportation Fund (which he supported with his time and money as long as he was able). Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at Vern’s Book of Memories page at www.JohnsonOverturffunerals.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka.