David John Adams

David John Adams, 79, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, October 22, 2021 at Chapel Hill Community, Canal Fulton, Ohio.

David was born December 3, 1941, in Bruce, Wisconsin, a son of John and Virginia (Berkeypile) Adams. He attended Grace Bible College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he met his future wife, Marilyn Peaspanen, whom he married June 14, 1963. David graduated with a degree in Theology and went on to earn a Master’s Degree in History from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Together David and Marilyn served in Christian ministry in inner-city Detroit before becoming missionaries under Grace Ministries International in the early 1970s. After language school in Brussels, Belgium, they served in Kivu Province, Belgian Congo (now Democratic Republic of the Congo), returning to the United States in 1972.

David became pastor of First Grace Gospel Church, Ashtabula, in 1974 and together he and Marilyn faithfully served the Grace family for 45 years. He enjoyed fishing and camping with his wife and grandchildren, exploring nature, and taking long walks with them. He retired in January 2020, when he and Marilyn moved to Canton.

David is survived by his wife, Marilyn Adams, of 58 years; children, Paul (Stephanie) Adams of Jefferson, Georgia; Jill (Brian) Norcia of Uniontown and Jennifer (Kevin) Baker of Canton; siblings Joan (John) Klanderud of Fremont, Michigan; sister-in-law Darla Adams of Bruce, Wisconsin; Dianne (Greg) Martin of Rosenberg, Texas; and Jeffrey (Connie) Adams of Everett, Washington; grandchildren Eino Elijah and Aiden Adams; Cooper and Brady Norcia; and Bobby, Alyssa and Tyler Baker; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Raymond Adams.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, October 28, 2021 at First Grace Gospel Church, 5730 Adams Ave., Ashtabula, with Pastor Michael Morris officiating, along with former assistant pastor James Zaebst. Friends and family will be received at the church from 2 p.m. to until the time of services at 5 p.m. Out of an abundance of caution and concern for the health and safety of our family and friends, we are requesting all who attend to please wear a mask. Memorial contributions can be made to First Grace Gospel Church. Envelopes will be available at the church or can be mailed to Fleming & Billman Funeral Directors, 526 W. Prospect Rd., Ashtabula, OH 44004.

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