Richard O'Dell Adams

Richard (Rick) O’Dell Adams passed away on July 30, 2023, at his home in Indianapolis. Rick was born on August 1, 1952, John Richard (Jack) and Mary Caroline (Molly) Adams in Indianapolis.

Rick and his younger brother John David (Dave) grew up in Indianapolis. Rick graduated from Shortridge High School in 1970. He then attended Wabash College, where he was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity, and graduated in 1974. Rick received his J.D. from Indiana University School of Law–Indianapolis in 1979.

In 1973, Rick met Rebecca (Becky) Reiners, and they married on September 25, 1976. Rick and Beck have three children, Emily Susan Adams (born in 1979), Samuel Mark Adams (Sam) (born in 1982), and John Richard Adams II (born in 1984).

Rick spent his career practicing law in Indianapolis, most of it at the Marion County Public Defender Agency. In addition to helping people who couldn’t otherwise afford an attorney, he enjoyed mentoring and training young public defenders. Rick retired from the Public Defender Agency in November 2019, but maintained a small private practice afterwards.

Rick was an active member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Indianapolis and sang in the choir for 42 years. Rick especially loved being in the choir. He was a part of several choir tours to England and Scotland, and around the U.S. His favorite was the 1997 England tour with all five members of his family in the choir. Rick also served on the vestry of St. Paul’s several times, including three terms as warden.

Rick is survived by his wife, Becky; his children Emily Adams and her husband Devin Bryson; Sam Adams and his wife Lynné Colbert; and John Adams; and his brother Dave Adams and his husband Nik See. Rick’s grandchildren are Quentin, Greta, and Edith Bryson-Adams.

Memorial services will be held on Friday, August 4, 2023, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 6050 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208. There will be a viewing from 11:00 to 1:00, with a service to follow at 1:00. In lieu of flowers, donations in Rick’s name may be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and its music program (www.stpaulsindy.org).