Gerald "Shorty" Adair

Shorty Adair passed away on January 21, 2025, at the CLC Hospice facility in Des Moines. He was 78 years old.

Shorty, son of Kenneth and Lois Adair, was born on December 9, 1946, in Lineville, Iowa. After graduating from high school, he began working for Hy-Vee. Shortly after, he was drafted by the Army and deployed to Vietnam. While serving, he received the sharpshooter badge with M-16 and M-14, the expert badge for rifle and M-60, the Army Commendation Medal with Valor, and the Purple Heart after being combat-wounded.

While serving in the Army, he married his high school sweetheart, Judy Leib. Through this union, they welcomed two children, Shawn and Sheila. Shawn and Jenn blessed him with three grandsons, Colby, Cale, and Cooper, whom he adored.

Judy tragically passed away in 2002 at the age of 52.

In 2005, he met Barb Waldron, who has since been his long-time companion. With Barb, he had the opportunity to be a steadfast presence in the lives of her four daughters and their families.

Shorty had a long career with Hy-Vee, retiring after 43 years.

He enjoyed playing pool, golfing, bowling, and traveling. He loved attending his grandkids’ events.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Judy, brothers Larry Adair and Richard Adair, two sisters-in-law, four brothers-in-law, and two nephews.

Shorty leaves to cherish his memory; son, Shawn (Jenn) Adair of West Des Moines, daughter Sheila Roberts of Des Moines, grandsons Colby, Cale, and Cooper Adair. Barb Waldron (long-time companion). Her daughters Marianne (Brian) Christensen, Karen (Mark) Stoll-Ethofer, Christy (Tommy) Vail, and Kathy Tuhn. Her grandchildren Jordan Christensen, Olivia (Luke) Turczynski, Paige Christensen, Reid Christensen, Tyler (Hailey) Vail, Kelsey (Anuvong) Phaisith, Haley Stoll, Brittany Stoll, Zoey Vail, Macy Vail, Brody Vail, and Owen Tuhn. Her great-grandchildren Luna, Levi, and Lola Phaisith, Samira and Tres Stoll, and Lincoln Giron. His brother, Kenny (Judy) Adair, his sister, Kay (Pat) Karns, his brother, Randy (Rhonda) Adair, his sister-in-law, Diane Adair, as well as many nieces, nephews, other family, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to his family for a tribute to be decided at a later date.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 29, 2025, also at Hamilton’s, and will be followed by a reception.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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