Roy Elmer Adair, 97, of Olney Springs, passed away Friday, June 26, 2020 at his home.

Roy was born on October 23, 1922, on a Monday in Elkton, Colorado while his father was working in the mines near Cripple Creek. Roy was the eldest son born to Elmer and Hazel (Williams) Adair. He grew up on the homestead north of Crowley and he graduated from the Crowley High School in 1940. His graduation was on the same day his youngest brother, Floyd, was born. The family joke was he made his mom miss his graduation! It wasn't too many more years that his father passed away and he became head of the household, assisting his mother in taking care of his younger siblings. Roy loved horses, cattle and the ranch lifestyle. He worked for numerous ranchers assisting in roundup, vaccinating cattle and the country life.

Although Roy was never married, he had numerous children that looked up to him for advice. He wasn't a man of many words, but he was always full of wisdom. Roy was a great teacher of work ethics. Every one of his siblings learned these same ethics and taught them to their children. "You work for what you have", that was one of his sayings. His memory was so good; we loved to hear his stories about the history of the area. He really cared about his neighbors and was there whenever they needed help.

Roy is survived by his brother, Bill (Debbie), Floyd (Natasha) Adair all of Olney Springs; sister, Dorothy Wittman of Olney Springs; sisters-in-law, Helen Adair of Virginia and Delphia Adair of Texas; many nieces, nephews and close friends.

Roy was preceded in death by his father, Elmer; his mother, Hazel; sister, Ruth Niswonger and brothers-in-law, Truel Niswonger and Howard Wittman; brothers, Woodson, John and Dale Adair; and sisters-in-law, Wilmina, Sandra, Sue, Barbara and Bobbie.

Graveside services will be held 10:00 a.m., Friday, July 3, 2020, at Valley View Cemetery in Ordway with Pastor Ted Williams officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Ford-Ustick Funeral Home in Rocky Ford.

Online guest book and condolences may be left at www.fordustick.com .