William "Bill" Walter Adams

William W. Adams, 74, of El Paso, Texas, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2026, at 5:40 a.m.

Born on January 17, 1952, in Cohasset, Minnesota, William spent his childhood in the close-knit community that helped shape his lifelong values of service, hard work, and dedication to others.

William proudly served his country in the United States Army, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. His military service took him to Vietnam, Korea, and Thailand, and included participation in the Consolidation II and Cease-Fire campaigns of the Vietnam War. His decorations included the Good Conduct Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, and Army Overseas Service Ribbon with Numeral 3. He was medically retired from the Army in 1984 after years of honorable service.

Following his retirement from the Army, William and his beloved bride, Lupe, began a new chapter together in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico, where they made their home for 15 years while raising their family. They later settled in El Paso, Texas, where William discovered a new calling in education.

After earning bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration and Science, William became a middle school science teacher at Bassett Middle School in the El Paso Independent School District. He especially enjoyed teaching science and took great pride in leading the school’s Gifted and Talented program, where he encouraged students to think critically, explore their curiosity, and develop a lifelong love of learning. His dedication to his students earned him the distinction of EPISD Teacher of the Year in 2008, an achievement he treasured.

While William was proud of his military service and teaching career, his greatest source of pride was always his family. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, and an extraordinary grandfather whose wisdom, patience, and unconditional love left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. He taught by example, demonstrating integrity, resilience, humility, and compassion throughout his life.

William was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie Everett Adams and Donna Mae Adams; his sister, Shona Zimmerman; and his beloved daughter, Ashen Hope Adams.

A Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Monday, August 03, 2026, at Sunset Funeral Homes-West, with a Holy Rosary to commence at 6:00 pm. Funeral Mass will be held at 12:30 pm on Tuesday, August 04, 2026, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 2709 Alabama St. Interment will follow at 2:00 pm at Fort Bliss National Cemetery, with full Military Honors, 5200 Fred Wilson, 79906

Services are entrusted to Sunset Funeral Homes-West, 480 N. Resler Drive, El Paso, TX, 79912. Please visit his online memorial at www.sunsetfuneralhomes.net.