Clarence Earl McAdams

Clarence Earl “Red” McAdams, 82, passed away peacefully at his home in Twin Falls, Idaho, on July 2, 2025.

Born on June 17, 1943, in Twin Falls, Earl graduated from Twin Falls High School in 1961 and went on to attend Idaho State University on a wrestling scholarship. He later earned a degree in electrical engineering from the University of Idaho in 1966.

On August 24, 1963, Earl married Linda Marie Butler of Salmon ID. Together, they raised three children and shared many years of family life and adventure until their separation in 1980. Earl remained a devoted and loving father throughout his life.

Earl began his distinguished career at Boeing in 1966, which led him to Houston, Texas, where he contributed to the NASA space program. His name was added to the Apollo-Saturn V Roll of Honor in 1969 for his critical work on the Lunar Module’s engineering systems. In 1970, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom as part of the Apollo XIII Mission Operations team.

In 1974, Earl returned to Renton, Washington, where he continued his career and raised his family. A lifelong Seahawks fan, he never missed a game—though he was known to affectionately call them the “Sea-Turkeys” during tough seasons.

After retiring from Boeing in 2002, Earl returned to Twin Falls to care for his mother. In 2012, he found love again and married Lisa VanCott, with whom he shared his later years.

He is survived by his loving wife, Lisa McAdams of Twin Falls; daughter Wendy Zook of Oak Harbor, WA; sons Scot McAdams of Portland, OR, and Rob McAdams of Renton, WA; six grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and three stepchildren.

To share memories and condolences with the family, please visit the Guestbook section below.