Douglas Jay Adams

Douglas Jay "Doug" Adams, 69, passed away on February 3, 2026. He was born to Richard and Naomi Adams in Wichita, Kansas on November 6, 1956.

Doug had so many interests, it's hard to name just a few. As a kid, he was always inquisitive, always asking questions, a quality that has remained with him throughout his life. He was never afraid to try something new, and strived to do everything to the best of his ability.

In his younger years, grade school through high school, Doug enjoyed scouts and played nearly every sport. Basketball, Football, Track and Wrestling. He excelled at track in pole vaulting and set a school and state record.

He enjoyed re-building the motor in his 67 Chevelle. I think there are still marks on the road on West Street by the big ditch where he timed his car. lol He loved fishing and scuba and playing his guitar. He loved building things with his hands. He loved sharing knowledge and teaching about anything that he himself had learned.

Doug's real passion was for music. From piano lessons to trombone, then guitar. His parents were supportive in everything. He had the garage band (Bandit) that played at high school dances, then "The Sweetwater Band", with four different versions. The second version, (late 70's through 80's) played locally as a house band and had a lot of loyal, wonderful fans, most of whom are lifelong friends. That's the thing about Doug, in every situation in time, he gathered friends. He was the kind of friend that you had forever. The 3rd version was reborn in recent years. He really enjoyed the rebirth of Sweetwater with a mix of players from along the way. The excitement of playing again was something he really looked forward to, only with a little more sitting, and a few more bathroom breaks. The most recent version of Sweetwater played a new set of songs that concentrated on vocals. The harmony's were amazing for a bunch of old guys.

His next passion was when he moved on to the "sound" side of music. His attention to detail made him an amazing sound engineer. He had an incredible ear. Every instrument, every vocal, was just as important as the other. He had a way of bringing it all together. He called it "magic" or "the sweet spot". The kind of sound that gives you the shivers. He truly cared about what it sounded like. That's what made him so good. He loved every musician that he ever worked with. HE was their biggest fan. He did whatever it took to make them sound the best. It was a labor of love. He built a recording studio and started a business, Pro Audio Systems, Inc which went on to be a successful business in Wichita from 1982 to 2023. Without the amazing employees we had, we would never have been so successful. We appreciated you all, EVERY single one of you..

Doug got to do for a living what he absolutely loved. Mixing sound for "Steppenwolf" for 30 years. He worked for a man he idolized. He was his mentor, and they had a bond that few people ever experience. He worked his tail off and enjoyed every minute of it. He was fascinated by his travels, and he had a story for each and every place he went. He was the guy with the VCR or the camera, and he would always narrate for us at home, so when he returned we could re-live the adventure with him. After Steppenwolf retired, he was able to focus on what really mattered to him... family and friends.

When he retired from his business in 2023 he liquidated his business assets and began collecting. He could NOT turn down a good deal, and he could beat a seller down like no one else. It was like a hobbie. He just loved that. He bought vintage music equipment because it was stuff he had always wanted, but never purchased.. He always had big ideas and plans for his next project or something he wanted to do. He would have people come look at something to buy, and they would end up visiting for hours. He met more wonderful friends, because he now had the time. He was the kind of friend that would call just to see how you were or to just to catch up.

Finally, the greatest joy of his life was his son Ryan. He was so proud of him. His most favorite thing to do was just to be around him. To talk to him. To teach him what he could about anything. Even as an adult, he still needed his boy. Ryan's happiness is what he wanted most for him.

Doug was so kind, and was always willing to help someone in need. Or, to do something just to put a smile on someone's face. That's what he liked. To make people laugh, and be happy. That was his favorite thing to do. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Susan L Adams (Rodriguez) and brother, Stuart (Mark) Adams.

Doug is survived by wife, Teresa "Terri"; son, Ryan and Ryan's fiancee Shauna Horacek, along with her children, Fiona and Ramiro. 

A family memorial will be held at 2:30 pm on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at Smith Family Mortuary, 1415 North Rock Road, Derby, Kansas 67037.

A celebration of life will be held at 2:00-5:00 pm on Sunday, March 1, 2026 at The Cotillion Ballroom, 11120 W. Kellogg Dr. Wichita, KS 67209