September 7, 2011       

ADAMS, N.Y.  —  Donald Rogers LaShomb, 86, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 6, at the Samaritan Keep Home, Watertown, where he had resided since May 12, 2011. 

Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9, at the Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Adams, with Rev. Charles Henderson officiating. Burial will follow in the Rural Cemetery, Adams. Calling hours are 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 8, at Piddock Funeral Home, Adams.

Donald was born July 23, 1925, in Watertown, the son of James and Vernita Moore LaShomb. He worked for Jacob Lebovsky Clothing Store on Court Street in Watertown from 1941 to 1942. Following graduation from Watertown High School in 1943, he went to work for the old Jefferson County National Bank while working part time for H.S. Powell & Sons.

In 1944, he worked for Adams Electric Light Company, and then it’s successor, Niagara Mohawk Power Corp. before retiring in 1981. 

He married Gertrude ‘Betty’ Dickinson on Sept. 17, 1960. The couple lived in Adams all their married life. She died Nov. 27, 1994.

He was a member of the Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Adams, and the Trinity Episcopal Church, Watertown. He was also a sixty year member and Past Master of the former Watertown Lodge 49 Free and Accepted Masons; treasurer of S.C.O.R.E Chapter 170, Watertown; member of the Advisory Council of the Jefferson County Office of the Aging; Vice President of the South Jefferson Community Action Corp; former treasurer of the Rural Cemetery Association, Adams; and former treasurer of the Jefferson County Association of Cemeteries.

Donald was an Election Inspector for the Village of Adams and Adams Center; a member of the Historical Association of South Jefferson; member and past president of the Adams Rotary Club; former four year member of the Adams Village Board, former seven year member of the Adams Town Board; and served two and a half years as the Village of Adams Justice. He was also a charter member of the Tyro Investment Club.

His interests included the stock market, coin collecting, stamp collecting, and studying early religions and early philosophers. He was a voracious reader of history and never tired of researching things that captured his interest. He gave generously of his time and assets and leaves behind many friends who have been enriched by his friendship.

He is survived by a step son- in- law, Howard ‘Jake’ Hamilton, Adams; and five step grandchildren, Tracy Puckett, Adams; Lisa Rogers, Smithville, Rusty Williams, Sackets Harbor, Andrew Weldon, Smithville, and Scott Weldon, Seneca Falls.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 39 E. Church St. Adams, NY 13605.








Information provided by Piddock Funeral Home, Adams, and Newzjunky.com, Watertown.