Robert Duke Adams

Private family services for Robert Duke Adams, 80, Lawrence, were Saturday.Mr. Adams died Sunday, Jan. 21, 2007, at Olathe Medical Center after a battle with mesothelioma.He was born Dec. 10, 1926, in Grand Rapids, Mich., the son of Charles and May Adams. He grew up in Oak Forest, Ill. He attended the University of Minnesota, where he received a doctorate in mathematics, and did postdoctoral work at the University of California-Berkeley.Mr. Adams joined the U.S. Navy at age 16 and served for 12 years as a ship’s engineer on submarines and destroyers. He worked for Honeywell and other companies as an electrical engineer. In 1960 he joined the mathematics department faculty at Kansas University, where he served for more than 40 years. He also served as an associate dean of liberal arts and sciences at KU for many years.Survivors include a son, Craig, Rolla, Mo.; a daughter, Pamela Adams Crifasi, Olathe; a brother, Richard, Carlsbad, N.M.; two sisters, Maureen Hackman, Hood River, Ore., and Elizabeth Arfstrom, Lincoln City, Ore.; and six grandchildren.The family suggests memorials to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718 Oklahoma City, OK 73123.Online condolences may be sent at www.mem.com.