Thomas Merritt Adams

September 27, 1935 — December 9, 2021

Thomas Merritt Adams passed away on Thursday, December 9, from complications following a stroke. Known to most as Tom and to his family as “Papa,” Tom was born and grew up in Kirkwood, Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis. With his beloved wife Sarah, Tom raised four boys in the Palisades: Mark “Merritt,” John, Will and Tom. He was also the proud grandfather to Spencer, Carter, Kyle, Jackson and Emma.

Three traits characterized Tom’s life: hard work, leadership and humor. Tom graduated Magna Cum Laude from Washington University in St. Louis where he was student body president and a member of Phi Beta Kappa, ODK (a service fraternity) and Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He was also awarded the Air Force Arnold medal as top of his ROTC class. In addition to his many activities as an undergraduate, he worked at night at a local radio station and at a Pepsi bottling plant.

After graduation, Tom attended the London School of Economics on a Fulbright scholarship, and it was there that Tom met Sarah Davis, who would become his wife. Tom returned to Washington University to earn his law degree with honors and he was also student body president. After law school, Tom served as a judge advocate in the Air Force in Salina, Kansas, and while there, he received the Air Force Commendation Medal for special service. Tom’s civilian career began at the Securities and Exchange Commission where he served as a staff lawyer and assistant to one of the commissioners.

While in Washington, Tom earned a Masters of Law degree at George Washington University. Following his work at the SEC, Tom moved to California to lead TransAmerica Investment Management Company and he served as CEO for 10 years. Later in his career, Tom entered private practice with a focus in securities and business law.

When Tom moved with his family to Pacific Palisades in 1969, he became involved in many civic activities and remained involved with the Palisades community throughout his adult life. He served on the board of the YMCA where he was chair of fundraising. He served on the Pacific Palisades Fourth of July Parade Committee, and he especially enjoyed announcing the annual parade along Sunset Blvd. Tom served on the Vestry at St. Matthews Church, as the chairman of the board of Family Services in Santa Monica and as president of the local nonprofit No Oil organization which opposed oil drilling along the Palisades coastline. With his wife Sarah, Tom also led a non-profit for Romanian children who taught their award-winning art techniques to local children and stayed with Palisades families.

Tom highly valued his leisure time. With his wife Sarah, Tom traveled to all seven continents. He was an avid runner, including running 76 laps around the Pali High track to celebrate the nation’s bicentennial in 1976. Tom was an enthusiastic Dodgers fan and he was excited to see them win the World Series in 2020.

Thank you for your spirit, humor and love Papa. We will miss you.