Cpt. Bobby F. Adams

CAPTAIN BOBBY F. ADAMS, 77, of Coldspring, Texas, passed away on January 28, 2011. A loving husband, father, and grandfather, a loyal friend, and a true HPD legend, he will be missed by all who knew him. Bobby was born on November 3, 1933, in Houston, Texas, and was raised in Shepherd, Texas, where he attended Shepherd High School. He married Ila Martin, the love of his life, on December 31, 1953, and later served for two years in the United States Navy. Bobby joined the Houston Police Department on April 28, 1958, as a member of Police Academy Class #18, beginning a long and distinguished career in law enforcement. During his 43 years of service with the Houston Police Department, Bobby achieved the rank of Captain and went on to command a number of high profile divisions, including Criminal Intelligence, Auto Theft, Homicide, Internal Affairs, Eastside Patrol, Major Offenders, and Helicopters. Captain Adams is perhaps best remembered as the long standing Captain of the Homicide Division, where he served as Division Commander for 12 years from 1978 to 1990. During that time, he inspired a generation of homicide investigators and established a legacy of excellence and a lasting commitment to quality investigative service to the City of Houston. He guided the division through some of the most violent years in the city’s history, all the while insisting on quality, integrity, and professionalism among his troops. Among his many accomplishments was the creation of an officer-involved shooting team to ensure thorough investigation of officer-involved incidents, the formation of the Chicano Squad, which enhanced the Department’s ability to investigate violent crimes involving Spanish-speaking victims, and Harris County’s first successful investigation and prosecution utilizing DNA evidence. Throughout his career, Bobby touched countless lives and influenced many careers with his unique style of management and his sense of humor. He had a real gift for motivating people, and he earned the respect and loyalty of all of those who had the good fortune to serve under his command. Bobby thought of all of the men and women that worked under his command as family. A humble man, he always gave the credit for excellent performance to those that worked for him. Following his well earned retirement in 2002, Bobby moved to Cape Royale on Lake Livingston, where he and Ila enjoyed a full life, blessed with wonderful neighbors. Bobby never met a stranger, and he made many new friends at the Lake. He was happiest entertaining and spending time with friends, family, and his beloved grandchildren, Morgan and Kyle. Bobby is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Ila; son, Derek Adams and wife Cheryl; grandchildren Morgan Adams and Kyle Adams; sisters Christine Cronin and husband Joe and Dixie Lackey and husband Johnny; nephews Jody Cronin, Steve Cronin, and Jay Lackey and numerous relatives, friends, and neighbors. Visitation will be held on Monday, January 31, 2011, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Pace-Stancil Funeral Home in Cleveland, Texas. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 1, 2011, at 2:00 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church, 816 N. Blair, Cleveland, Texas. Interment will follow at Pace-Stancil Memorial Rest Gardens in Cleveland.