Lonnie Bothwell Adams III was the oldest of five children of Lieutenant Colonel Lonnie B. Jr. (USA, Retired) and Francoise Adams. Lonnie’s father was a combat-wounded veteran of service in North Africa and Western Europe during World War II. In France, after the war, he fell in love with and married Francoise, Lonnie’s mother.
As a child, Lonnie enjoyed idyllic vacations with his family in France. He developed fluency in the language and a deep love for the culture, cuisine, and eventually the wines of the country. Throughout his life, he nurtured his fondness for his French heritage through visits and correspondence with his beloved French relatives.
After graduating from Blackstone High School in Virginia, Lonnie attended the U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School. From there, he entered West Point with the Class of 1969. Lonnie claimed that his proudest achievement as a cadet was playing on his company’s brigade championship tackle football team. Lonnie distinguished himself as an undersized “two-way” lineman; his relentless fighting spirit deeply impressed his teammates. Over the next few years, Lonnie’s physical courage and determination became well known and admired by all his companymates.
Lonnie’s sense of humor and joie de vivre were often expressed mischievously. During weekend visits to New York City, Lonnie sometimes led excursions to French restaurants, not fancy ones beyond the reach of West Point cadets but humble bistros that, Lonnie assured his eager companions, served authentic French food. During one such outing, the menu was in French; Lonnie offered to make the entrée selections. His companions were shocked when the waiter arrived with a brain covered in gravy. For years afterwards, Lonnie’s tete de veau escapade evoked fond memories and hearty laughs.
Lonnie served for 25 years in the active Army as a Field Artillery officer. He was airborne and Ranger qualified and served in Panama, Vietnam, Korea, and Germany, and in various assignments in the United States (including with the 82d Airborne Division and as executive officer of the Army’s Program, Analysis, and Evaluation staff in the Pentagon). He earned graduate degrees in operations research/system analysis and finance and graduated from the Army War College.
A highlight of Lonnie’s career was his role in the development of the Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS). He commanded one of the first MLRS battalions in the Army’s force structure. During his command, he manned, trained, and relocated his unit from Fort Sill, OK to Babenhausen, West Germany.
While battalion commander, Lonnie forged a partnership with a French artillery brigade. Lonnie and the brigade’s commander developed a lifelong friendship; as a bonus, their families became close friends. The enduring affection between the commanders and their families, and the solidarity that Lonnie maintained for more than 50 years with many of his West Point classmates, exemplify the loyalty and commitment that Lonnie invested in all his friendships.
Also while in command, during a training exercise with his French partners, Lonnie led a road march through the Alsace region of France. As his unit approached one small village, Lonnie noticed that the streets were lined with people cheering and waving American flags. He was deeply moved, out of pride as an American soldier and affection for the French people.
Lonnie retired from the Army with the rank of colonel. After his retirement, he embarked on a career as an Army consultant. His ambitions were shattered when he suffered a disabling medical condition. With the unceasing encouragement and support of his family, Lonnie courageously battled his disability for the rest of his life. His rehabilitation was highlighted by the achievement of his ultimate goal. Against all expectations, he walked his daughter down the aisle at her wedding.
For 43 years, Lonnie and his wife, Pat, were each other’s best friends and staunchest supporters. They were also loving and nurturing parents to Anne-Marie, Mary-Frances Vivarelli (Dan), Mary-Katherine Batterton (Shawn), and Lonnie IV (Jill). One of Lonnie’s favorite roles was as grandfather (aka Big Daddy) to Isabelle, Emilie, and Elise (Vivarelli); Elisabeth, Benjamin, and Peter (Batterton); and Lonnie V and Wesley Adams. Lonnie and Pat were extremely proud of their children, their sons- and daughter-in-law, and their grandchildren. Lonnie bragged incessantly, with unquestionable justification, about them.
For six weeks preceding his death, Lonnie remained at home, where he received meticulous and loving care from his family. Pat and at least one of the children were constantly at his bedside to ease his discomfort and ensure he was never alone.
In his final days, Lonnie received numerous visitors. During one visit, Pat quietly whispered that a company C-1 classmate was there. Without opening his eyes, Lonnie slowly moved his arm from under the blanket and raised his open hand. In silence, the two men gripped hands in an act of solidarity and brotherly affection. The moment evoked the closing lines of the West Point hymn: “Grip hands tho’ it be from the shadows. While we swear, as you did of yore. Or living, or dying, to honor, the Corps, and the Corps, and the Corps.”
Facing an uncertain future, the Class of 1969 expressed their youthful confidence and soaring ambitions through an aspirational class motto: “Best of the line ’69.” Since then, BOTL has been an expression of solidarity among class members. Lonnie never sought fame, fortune, or self-aggrandizing achievements. He lived a principled life that was rooted in his faith, family, friends, French heritage, and indomitable and courageous spirit. In the hearts of his family and friends, who dearly loved and admired him, Lonnie B. Adams III will always be remembered as the best of the best of the line. Rest in peace dear friend. Reposer en paix cher ami.
— John Brundage and C-1 classmates