Adam J. Barrs

SOUTH SIOUX CITY -- Adam J. Barrs, 20, of South Sioux City passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, July 3, 2007, near Minot, N.D., from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

Services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel, with the Rev. Roger Madden of First United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, with military rites provided by Offutt Air Force Base. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. today, with the family present 6 to 8 p.m., at the funeral home. Online condolences may be sent to www.meyerbroschapels.com.

Adam was born Sept. 8, 1986, in Sioux City, the son of Kimberly J. (Yepma) Barrs of South Sioux City and the son of Ralph J. Barrs, also of South Sioux City. He graduated with honors from South Sioux City High School in 2004. Prior to his graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Adam was stationed at Minot Air Force Base in Minot, N.D. He was working toward his goal of becoming an avionics engineer at the time of his death.

Adam was a communications navigation missile systems journeyman assigned to the 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, where he was responsible for maintenance and troubleshooting communication and navigation mission systems on B-52H Stratofortresses. During his Air Force career, Adam received numerous honors including "Outstanding Academic Achievement" awards as well as multiple superior performances for his military duties that include "Airman of the Year."

Adam enjoyed water skiing, scuba diving, parasailing and playing his saxophone. He was a member and founder of the DakotaDSM (Diamond Star Motors) Car Club. Adam was known for his quick wit, sense of humor, kind heart, as well as placing family and friends before himself. He was loved by all and will be truly missed.

Survivors include his mother, Kimberly J. Barrs and her significant other, Mike Buehrer of South Sioux City; his father, Ralph J. Barrs, also of South Sioux City; a sister, Amber Barrs of South Sioux City; his maternal grandmother, Betty Yepma and her significant other, Bob "Grandpa Bob" Woodson of Sioux City; his maternal grandfather, Jim Yepma and his wife, Nancy of Omaha; his paternal grandmother, Dorothy Barrs of South Sioux City; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Ralph B. Barrs Sr.; and his aunt, Nancy Benson.

Pallbearers will be Master Sgt. Earl Wehr, Tech Sgt. Ret. Kevin Roth, Staff Sgt. James Jankowski, Senior Airman Derrick Birdsell, Senior Airman Travis McDermott, Senior Airman Shane Meeks, Senior Airman Matt Turner and Senior Airman Timothy Bean.