Derek McKinley Adams, 37, was born on April 11, 1981, being the first born out of the first set of triplets to be delivered at Riverside Medical Center in Franklinton.

He was a long time resident of Pine. Sadly, Derek passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2018.

He was a well-loved son, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, and friend. He never met a stranger and was a very kind hearted person. He would give away all he had without a moment’s thought, if he knew someone needed it. Derek was a simple person in the best kind of way and liked simple things. His sense of humor was especially apparent, as he always loved joking around and picking with his niece and nephews, even when they didn’t want him to.

Derek had a big heart and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone he could. During his life, he had become a very skilled construction tradesman and had a lot of experience with electrical and plumbing work, which is how he met many people that have come to call him friend. He also had a love of staying in shape by lifting weights his entire life. He had a love for football, too, which began during his years playing as a punter and quarterback while at Pine High School.

Derek served in the U.S. Armed Forces for a total of six years. During that time, he was deployed overseas in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. He also served with the Louisiana National Guard in response to Hurricane Katrina, providing humanitarian efforts to the City of New Orleans and surrounding parishes, for which he received the Louisiana War Cross as well as other numerous medals. Derek is loved and he will be truly missed by all … but never forgotten.

He is survived by his mother, Sherrie B. Adams of Pine; his father and stepmother, Jewell and Joann Adams of Pine; brother and sister-in-law, Patrick and Lisa Adams of Pine; three sisters and a brother-in-law, Kristel Adams of Bogalusa, Dara Adams of Pine, and Andraea and Jason Spiers of Bogalusa; stepsister and brother-in-law, Anna and Ricky Taylor of Slidell and their children; niece, Kelli Adams; nephews, Evan Sinopoli, Ethan Sinopoli, Eric Sinopoli, James Adams, Justin Adams, Jayden Williams and Jaxson Spiers; aunts and uncles, Ann Green, Gail Brumfield, Pam and James Romano, Karen and Raymond Gerald, Faye Brumfield, Stacy and Mark Jenkins, Byron and Pamela Brumfield, Mary Cothren, Cathalene and Lloyd Thomas, James A. Adams Jr. and Audrey Adams, and Louis Ed and Delores Adams; great-uncles and great-aunts, Dudley J. Adams, Wayne and Linda Brumfield, Ben and Myra Smith, Mike and Tonya Smith; special friend, Marcie Penny; and also numerous cousins and many dear friends.

He was preceded in death by grandparents, James Alfred Adams Sr. and Eunice Adams, Elgin McKinley and Mary Brumfield; uncle, Bobby J. Adams; and cousin, Bobby Brumfield.

Visitation was at Crain Funeral Home on Tuesday, Aug. 21, from 10 a.m. until noon. A funeral service was held in the funeral home chapel at noon Tuesday with the Rev. Frederick Brumfield and Elder Darrin Uzell officiating. Burial followed in the Harmony Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Evan Sinopoli, Justin Adams, James Adams, Richard Green, Jonathan Gerald and Tim Thomas. Honorary pallbearers were his uncles, Jimmy Adams and Ed Adams; cousin, Doug Freeman; nephew, Ethan Sinopoli; and cousin, Eddie Adams

Obituaries can be viewed online at www.crainfh.com.