Derry Allan Adamson, Lt. Colonel, USAF (Retired)
June 15, 1938 – October 02, 2010

Derry Allan Adamson, age 72, of Kennesaw, GA., died October 2, 2010, in the presence of his loving wife and children. Born June 15, 1938 in Roseburg, Oregon,

Derry was a retired United States Air Force Lt. Colonel. Derry grew up in San Pedro, California where he graduated from San Pedro High School in 1956. He was appointed to the United States Air Force Academy where he was member of the second graduating class. While at the Academy he was elected captain of the swim team and remained captain for all four years.

He served his country in Vietnam in 1968-69 as a rescue helicopter pilot, flying over 110 combat rescue missions. Among many awards he received, he was most proud to be the recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross. Derry was in the service of his country for 25 years. While in the service he also obtained a Master’s Degree from San Diego State University in Asian studies, and then worked in special operations for the Air Force.

After retirement in 1985, Derry worked as a defense contractor, eventually working for Lockheed-Martin as the Chief Systems Engineer on the C-5M Project. He retired in 2004 from Lockheed and was able to travel extensively with his wife.

He was a member of the Daedalians Society of Military Pilots; The Air Rescue Association; The Pedro Helicopter Association; and the VFW.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Faith Adamson, and three daughters, Kristin Adamson Landau (Jeff), Amy Katnik (Brad), Laura Glancy (Michael), and one son David Adamson (Julie).; and twelve grandchildren, Erin and Brett Landau; Kendall and Gunnar Schafers, Nicole Katnik, Grace, Conor, and Maggie Glancy, Hannah, Lily, and Earl Adamson, and Katherine Herrin. He is also survived by his Mother, Melba Martin, and his sister Sharon Bethard and her husband Bill Bethard, and numerous nieces and nephews. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. He will be remembered for his warm heart, kind spirit, and gentle soul.

A celebration of his life will be held in a memorial service on Sunday, October 12, 2010 at 2:00pm in the Sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church, 189 Church St. Marietta Ga. Donations can be made to Cross Roads Hospice, 1957 Lakeside Pkwy, Suite 500, Tucker, GA. 30084, Or First Presbyterian Church Sanctuary