William Preston Adams

William Preston Adams, 87, a longtime Greencastle resident, passed away on Aug. 19, 2017 at his current home in Reelsville from complications of Parkinson's disease.

Preston was born Jan. 12, 1930 in Madison, Fla., the son of Julius and Lillian Adams.

He served in the U.S. Army for four years in the 1950s.

Preston attended Barry College and the University of Georgia where he received his bachelor's degree in botany. He continued his education at the University of Georgia and received his master's degree in botany, followed by studying at Harvard University where he earned his Ph.D. in botany.

Preston became a professor at DePauw University in Greencastle in 1961 where he taught for 39 years.

In 1963, he married Kay McCrite.

In his spare time, Preston enjoyed gardening, reading and taking long walks, among other activities. For many years he had a large vegetable garden.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother-in-law, James Suttles.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Kay Adams; his son, Keith Adams; his sister, Millie Suttles and her children Nancy and Jim; as well as extended family members.

A memorial will be held at a later date.

Cremation (per his request) is being provided by French Funeral Home, Brazil.

Visit www.frenchfuneralhome.com to post a note of condolence.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Center for Science Education, Sierra Club, WFIU or WTIU in Preston's memory.