Shelby L. Adams

Shelby L. Adams passed away April 19, 2021 at home peacefully in his sleep with his wife Irene by his side after a four-year struggle with lung cancer. Shelby was born in Marked Tree, Arkansas in 1946 to James Shelby Adams and Susie Bernice Beck. He is preceded in death by his parents, his son David Adams, and 10 siblings (Clarence, Verdia, Virginia, Evelyn, Betty, Floyd, Jerry, Bruce, Tommy, and Marvin).

Shelby joined the Air Force in 1961, he served 2 years on the Salinas PD before achieving his boyhood dream of joining the California Highway Patrol (CHP). During his time with the CHP, he and Irene moved throughout California (Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Sacramento, and San Diego) before settling in Ventura. He achieved the rank of Lieutenant before retiring. He was very proud of his time and service with the CHP.

Shelby adopted Irene’s family and loved them as his own. He will be missed by his sister-in-law Rachel Barajas (Roger), his brothers-in-law Luis Medrano (Barbara) and Mario Medrano (Cindy) along with the many extended cousins who got to know him as a true part of the family.

He loved Irene, reading, spending time with his cats and he loved Hawaii. He and Irene traveled several times to the islands and if Heaven looks anything like Hawaii – he is in his “happy place.”

Shelby and Irene would like to acknowledge and thank Dr. Ronald Natalie of Cedars-Sinai for his persistence in pursuing treatments and giving us four years we did not think we would have together. A special thank you to his nephew Jay Adams who lifted Shelby’s spirits over these difficult years.

In celebration and remembrance, donations may be made in Shelby’s name to Cedar Sinai Medical Center, Beverly Hills CA.

Aloha Shelby – we miss you already.