Charles Orien McAdams

Lt. Col. (Retired) Charles Orien “Skip” McAdams (80) passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on April 18th, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Born March 25, 1944, to Harley and Dorothy McAdams, Skip lived in Liberty, Texas, with his three siblings: Harley, Sira Lynn (Sparky), and John.

After graduating from Liberty High School, Skip attended Texas A&M University from 1962-1966, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance. He was commissioned upon graduation and entered the Army in September of 1966. He was assigned to the 68th Medical Group in Vietnam and participated in more than 150 aerial missions as a Dustoff helicopter pilot. He was awarded The Distinguished Flying Cross for exceptionally valorous actions in January 1968 as a medivac pilot evacuating injured soldiers while braving murderous fire during the operation. He successfully evacuated the soldiers and returned twice more to fly all of the injured to safety. Skip commanded several units, including serving as Commander of the 10th “MASH” Combat Support Hospital, during his military career before retiring in 1989 from Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas.  Skip was a decorated officer with multiple awards, distinctions, and honors, most notably the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medals, Meritorious Service Medal (3rd Oak Leaf Cluster), Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation (3rd Oak Leaf Cluster), National Defense Service Medal, and multiple other medals/commendations. After retirement, Skip worked overseas in Saudi Arabia before returning to San Antonio, where he worked at Northside Ford for over 10 years, making many friendships that continued until his death.

He was a dedicated soccer dad, and the friendships he developed with his children during those years were important to him. He spent most of the 1980s at soccer fields throughout San Antonio, Austin, and Houston cheering on Tom and Brett. His unconditional support extended to their many achievements throughout life as well. He was always there cheering them on, celebrating their accomplishments, and encouraging them in all their endeavors.

His love for all things Texas A&M was also abundant to those who knew him. He took great pride in having his daughter and grandson attend the same school as his dad, brothers, and countless other family members attended. If there was an Aggie sport on TV somewhere, you can bet that he was watching.  

Skip had an enormous heart and quick wit – always ready with an interesting factoid or bad joke. He was generous, loyal, and loved his family. The pride he had for his grandchildren, Thomas and Brynn was tremendous. “Papa” attended every game, awards ceremony, and performance – no question. He paid them handsomely for yard work or odd jobs around the house, and straight A’s on a report card were expected and rewarded. He was full of life lessons and advice, and he embodied the phrase “work smarter, not harder”.  

He was preceded in death by his son, Thomas McAdams, sister Mitsi, and parents Harley and Dorothy. He is survived by his wife, Mary Kay McAdams; daughter Brett Beyer and son-in-law David Beyer; grandchildren Thomas and Brynn; sister Sira Lynn Porter and her husband Bill; brothers Harley McAdams and his wife Lucy Shapiro; John McAdams and his wife Molly; brother in law John Moring and his wife Eleanor; sister in law Ann Moring and her husband Carl Parris; brother in law Greg Moring, sister in law Lisa Landry and her husband Kim; and many nieces, nephews.

Services will be held at 11am on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at Allison Funeral Home in Liberty, Texas, with the burial at Whittington Cemetery in Devers, Texas, immediately following.