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January 5, 1942 ~ March 7, 2025

ABBEVILLE — A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12 p.m., Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church honoring the life of Herman James Adams, 83, who passed away on March 7, 2025 at his residence.
A visitation will take place at Vincent Funeral Home of Abbeville on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, from 10 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. when the procession will depart for church. Father Randall P. Moreau, friend of the family, will officiate the funeral mass at noon.
Herman was born in Crowley, Louisiana on January 5, 1942, the first born of Neelis and Gladys Adams. He was raised and grew up in Gueydan, Louisiana on his family rice farm, speaking Cajun French as his first language up until he began school, and tending to the needs of his family's cattle and rice farms while growing up as a child. Herman graduated from Gueydan High School in 1959. While in high school, Herman was a school officer and wore #38 for the Gueydan High School Bears' Varsity Football Team. Herman was also active in Future Farmers of America.
Herman went on to attend college at Southwestern Louisiana Institute, SLI, (currently University of LA at Lafayette), and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Agriculture. Following his graduation in 1963 from SLI/UL, Herman went on to Graduate School at LSU in Baton Rouge, School of Agriculture, earning a Master's Degree in 1965 in the field of Animal Sciences.
While teaching for LSU in 1965, Herman was set up on a blind date by a mutual friend. On this night, at Pat O'Brien's in the French Quarter, Herman met Angela "Angie" Ketchum, a student at Charity Hospital in New Orleans, from Mobile, Alabama. They fell in love and were married in 1967. Herman and Angie moved to Thibodaux, Louisiana where they spent their early married years, and met some of their greatest, lifelong friends. They lived in the Thibodaux/Houma area of Louisiana until they were transferred by his job to Abbeville, LA in 1974. Herman and Angie loved traveling together, with their favorite place being Lake Tahoe. They remained residents of Abbeville the rest of their married life, where they worked and raised their family.
Herman and Angie had three beautiful children, who were the center and joy of his life. Herman was a loving, present and supportive father. He was extremely proud of his children and doted especially on his daughters. Herman encouraged their academic achievements. He never missed a dance recital or school event. Herman never let them get on the road back to college without checking their oil level under the hood, or the tire pressure for their long drive. He built treehouses, and props for dance recitals. He taught his girls how to drive and how to balance a check book to the penny every month. Herman and his son, Barrett, shared a special relationship and Herman loved Barrett unconditionally, learning many life lessons from his son. Herman and Barrett also shared their love of Cajun Music and being together on the farm. Herman was also very involved in the lives of his grandchildren and supported them in their many activities and interests. Mainly, Herman modeled a humble and giving heart and spirit. He loved with his whole heart and was loyal and devoted to his wife and family. He was a quiet man; but when he spoke, people usually listened-in.
Herman was employed by the US Department of Agriculture for nearly 30 years. In Abbeville, he served as County Supervisor for Vermilion Parish Farmers' Home Administration and was recognized in his work for his excellence in helping farmers in Southwest Louisiana.
He is survived by his wife of over 57 years, Angela Ketchum Adams of Abbeville; son, Barrett James Adams; daughters, Sarah Adams Livingston and her husband, J. Craig Livingston of Baton Rouge; and Allyson Adams Bonner and her husband, Dr. Everett Bonner, Jr. of Baton Rouge; brother, Raymond Adams and his wife Jackie of Gueydan; six grandchildren, Abigail Livingston Lipani and her husband Don Charles Lipani II; Leanne Adams Livingston; Ellen Craig Livingston; Everett James Bonner III; Sarah Isabelle Bonner; and Adeline Touchet Bonner. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Herman is preceded in death by his father, Neelis Adams, and mother, Gladys Marie Touchet Adams.
Burial will follow at Gueydan Cemetery. A reception for family and friends will be held at the Adams' home following the burial ceremony.
Pallbearers will be, J. Craig Livingston, Dr. Everett Bonner, Jr, Raymond Adams, Neal Boudreaux, Don Charles Lipani II, and William Lewis Allen. Honorary pallbearers will be Everett Bonner III, and Barrett James Adams.
The family would like to thank Hospice of Acadiana for their outstanding care, and Herman's hospice nurse case manager who spoke French to him while caring for him in his final days.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville 337-893-4661.