- Date Of Birth: December 8, 1956
- Date Of Death: February 23, 2022
- State: Iowa
Sherwood Dean ‘Butch’ Adams, 65—beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother—died on February 23, 2022, after a short battle with Erdheim Chester disease, a rare blood cancer. His death was peaceful, surrounded by family at his home in Des Moines.
Sherwood was born on December 8, 1956, in Sidney, Nebraska to parents Charles and Patricia Adams. After spending his early childhood in Sidney, Sherwood moved to Omaha where he attended Ralston High School and competed in tennis at the state level. Sherwood studied at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where he met the love of his life, Barbara Miller, when they shared a dormitory floor. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Architecture and received the Dean’s Award and several other academic accolades in Nebraska. The happy couple wed on June 21, 1980, at Second Presbyterian Church in Lincoln.
Sherwood began building his robust architecture career in Pierre, South Dakota where he designed American Indian housing before moving to Austin in 1982 to obtain his Masters of Architecture at the University of Texas. Sherwood and Barb’s two children, Michael and Lauren, were born in Austin.
In 1988, the Adamses moved to Des Moines, Iowa when Sherwood accepted an architecture position with the local firm RDG—later, working with firms Dana Larson & Rubel, Wells & Associates, and Brooks Borg Skiles and serving as Partner at the latter. He specialized in sustainability and historic preservation and believed that buildings should interact with and draw inspiration from their surroundings. Throughout his career, Sherwood was active in the American Institute of Architects (AIA), culminating in his position as Iowa Chapter President.
Sherwood’s many personal hobbies sprouted from architecture, including his love of travel and advocacy for community arts. He had the privilege of traveling throughout Europe where he admired both constructed chapels and nature’s sanctuaries. He was the board president of the Metro Arts Alliance and co-chair for Art in the Park. Sherwood combined his love of classic cars and fine art when he curated the art portion of Concours d’Elegance, an event that celebrates automobile design.
Sherwood was an active member at Plymouth United Church of Christ. He served as a deacon twice, taught 8th-grade confirmation classes, and served on the design committee for the sanctuary renovation.
Sherwood is survived by his wife of 41 years, Barbara; his sister Sherry (Dave) Rathbun and their children, Nathan and Josie; son, Michael (Krista) Adams and their children, Charlie, Lincoln, and Austin Adams; daughter, Lauren (Adam) Lenz and their son, West Sherwood Lenz. His family will always remember his appreciation of beauty and design and extensive Isley Brothers vinyl collection. Sherwood was devoted to those he loved; he treasured being a father of two and grandfather of four.
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