Allen Ray Adams passed away quite unexpectedly, in his home with his cherished wife Jacqueline Kay. He was the best husband, dad, papa, uncle, and friend.

Allen was born in Atoka, Oklahoma, on June 30, 1945, to Daniel O. Adams and Hazel B. Harrington- Adams.  As the youngest of three brothers along with five sisters, he shared a special bond with his siblings. His passing has brought an end to an era for his loved ones, as he joins James Adams, Charlie Adams, Ruby May Adams, Lillian Maxwell, Wilma Taylor, Mary Horath, and Wanda Vickers in Heaven. We believe they are celebrating their reunion, playing guitars and singing together, their spirits united in eternal harmony.  

Allen’s young life was extremely hard. He left Oklahoma and made his way to Humboldt County at the young age of 14. Mainly living in Manila, Calif., with whomever would allow him to stay in their homes. He met lifelong friends while in Manila, Jim and Donny Ford, Buddy Henderson Family, Baker Family, Papa Slim and Momma Lou. He had some pretty crazy stories to share with his many friends and family. He attending Arcata High School and College of the Redwoods, choosing not to graduate from either one but very well could have. We fondly remember when he took a sewing class!

Allen met the love of his life, Jacqueline Kay Barnick, at Arcata Redwood, where they both worked. What began as friendship soon blossomed into love, and they were married on June 14th, 1975 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Eureka, California. By marrying Jacqueline he not only gained a beautiful wife but also willingly became an instant father to Ricky, Tylene and Amber Barnick. Not many men would have stepped into such a challenging situation, especially considering the tragic experiences Jacqueline and her children had endured in the years prior, but Allen embraced it wholeheartedly.

His willingness to love, support, and become a true family man showed his compassionate and resilient spirit. On June 29, 1977, their family grew again with the arrival of Allen Ray Adams II who became known as Duece, and together they became a family of six. Their home was always open and welcoming — no one was a stranger, and visitors often stopped by to say “Hi” and share a “cup of Joe.” Speaking of coffee, it was their drink of choice; if a pot wasn’t ready, one was soon to be brewing, most of the time on the commercial grade coffee pot they had in their kitchen! All of the grandkids drank coffee at Nonnie & Papa’s house, a tradition and moments filled with love and warmth.

Allen worked many jobs at local mills and in construction throughout his life. When his body could no longer handle the physical demands of those trades, he joined Jacqueline Kay, whom he lovingly called Nonnis — in her at-home daycare (Nonnie’s Family Day Care). Many children and their families became like extended family to Papa and Nonnie, forging lifelong friendships. Quite a few families joined them at dinner time and during family events, making their home a hub of love and community.

Papa was the enforcer of discipline, often telling the kids to quit “whine-baggin” or “belly-achin” and Nonnie was the softy, offering gentle comfort.  As their children, we were incredibly fortunate to have our own children cared for by our parents in such a loving environment. And of course, we can’t forget the nicknames — everyone got one, including the day care kids!!  We especially want to thank the Daniels family for the extra love and attention they provided and continue to provide-to Nonnie. She loves you all dearly and cannot express her gratitude enough. Everyone’s support means more than they will ever know.

Allen, affectionately known as Pee Wee and later in life as Papa, was a man of distinctive style. His signature attire included western wear — cowboy boots, Western-adorned button-down shirts, Wranglers, and a cowboy hat, always dressed to the T. A talented musician, he played the guitar like a true pro, filling rooms with his melodies and guitar playing.

Known for his gift of gab, Allen could talk with anyone and had an uncanny ability to listen with genuine interest and care. Honesty, faithfulness, and old-fashion values were deeply ingrained in him, and he made sure to pass these principles on to those he loved. He often told his family, “Your word is all that you have,” emphasizing the importance of keeping promises and commitments. A wheeler and dealer at heart, he was always ready to strike a good deal, turning that good deal into a profit.

Country music was a vital part of Allen’s life; he was a talented songwriter who wrote many heartfelt songs and recorded an album titled “The Better Life” in Ventura, California. His music opened doors — he was invited to perform at numerous local events, sang a commercial, and played for friends during their final moments on earth. Allen wrote touching songs for his daughters, Tylene and Amber, and proudly sang them at their wedding receptions, where many tears were shed as expressions of love.

Since 1978, he documented his thoughts and experiences in a journal each night, capturing his life and his family’s journey. He shared his musical gift with the community, performing multiple times at Ridgewood and Cutten schools, once playing guitar with his grandson, Jordan Daniel Seaman, who was just in first grade at the time. A faithful member of Arcata Lutheran Church, Allen served on the church council and joyfully sang at various church events. His love for the Lord, the Son of God, was unwavering, and he wholeheartedly believe in life after death. We find comfort knowing that he is now watching over us from Heaven, his spirit forever present in our hearts.

Cars were another passion in Allen’s life, particularly the classic, vintage models rather than newer vehicles. He enjoyed attending car shows and cherished his collection of old cars he had during his lifetime. His son Duece is currently restoring his beloved 1957 Ranchero, a project that will be filled with love and memories and quite possibly a few tears. He helped his daughter Amber restore her 1964 El Camino. He enjoyed the flash and old time charm of vintage cars, and the smooth roar of their engines was music to his ears. The biggest grin would spread across his face whenever he heard that smooth engine sound. He often told his beloved Jacqueline Kay that he would love to own a Corvette, but after working part-time as a parking valet at Cher-Ae Heights Casino during his retirement, he changed his mind and said, “I never want to park a Corvette again, let alone own one!” His love for classic cars was a true reflection of his appreciation for timeless style and craftsmanship.

Family was everything to him and he was lucky enough to have so much family in his life and we have added more to our family since his passing. He is survived by his wife Jacqueline Kay. He loved her so much and she says he was the best, most beloved husband a lady could ask for, he was a Godsend to her, his son Ricky Barnick, his wife Gretchen and their daughter and grandchildren Meghann Barnick Erickson, her husband Cameron and their children Parker and Millie Erickson. His oldest Daughter, Tylene Barnick Lott Johnson, her husband Michael and their children and grandchildren, Sarah Lott — her sons, Isaiah, Jonah, Alexander and her daughter Kaiana Lott.  Jackie Lott and her partner Edgar, their sons Jovani, Noah, Isaac, Remi and daughter Ember Lott. Ethan Lott and his daughter Scarlett. His youngest daughter Amber Barnick Seaman, husband Jim and their sons, Jordan Seaman, his fiancée Kali and their sons Henry and Vince. Jason Seaman and his fiancée Shara and their children, Jesse, Kolt Davis, Reece, Hailee and Raylynn.  His youngest son and namesake Allen Ray Adams II, (Duece) and his wife Brooke.  Many nieces and nephews, too many to list but he loved you all very much.

Allen was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Naomi Adams, born from his first marriage, who passed away in September of 1964. He was also deeply affected by the loss of his youngest grandson, Justin Davis Seaman, affectionately known as “the Governor” who left this world in September 2019-just a few short months before our Papa’s passing. Allen felt his son-in-law and daughter’s heartbreak to the core with the loss of Justin.  

Allen never met a stranger, embodying kindness and warmth in every encounter. His love for God and his family was the foundation of his life, and he steadfastly kept his faith through all of life’s adversities. Loved by many, he is deeply missed on a daily basis. Though he is no longer with us, his warmth, spirit and boundless love remain eternal, forever etched in our hearts.

Orange Tic-Tacs, love pinches on the hand and corny jokes will always remind us of you. Until we meet again, we love and miss you, Papa.

A Celebration of life service will be held at the Arcata Lutheran Church located at 151 E. 16th Street, Arcata, CA 95521 on Sunday June 29th at 2:00PM with a reception to follow immediately in the gym located next to the church. Come celebrate a true western gentleman’s life and legacy. In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request donation be made to the Arcata Lutheran Church in Allen’s name.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Allen Adams’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.