2026 GRAND MARSHALS

Ken & Marie Adams

Marie and Kenneth G. Adams have long considered Morgan County one of their greatest blessings. It is where they began their marriage, raised their five children, and continue to call home. Marie, whose family roots trace to Sweden and England, was raised in Cache County and graduated from Sky View High School before earning a degree in Elementary Education from Utah State University. Ken, whose ancestry comes from central England, grew up in Porterville and graduated from Morgan High School. He later earned degrees from Weber State University, Utah State University, the University of Phoenix, and the University of Utah.

The couple met while attending an LDS college ward at Weber State University. “I knew she was someone special the first time I saw her,” Ken recalls. They were later blessed with four sons — Kenny, Kirk, Kipp, and Korey — and one daughter, Kelsie, along with 17 grandchildren who remain the joy of their lives.

Marie devoted 23 years to teaching first grade at Morgan Elementary School, where she became known for her patience and ability to help students struggling in reading and math. Teaching was never just a job for her; it was something she truly loved.

Ken discovered his passion for education while serving an LDS mission in England. Over the years he served as a teacher, counselor, assistant principal, principal, and eventually superintendent of Morgan School District. During his career he helped establish programs still benefiting the community today, including the School Resource Officer program, the Morgan Education Foundation, and the Morgan High School Scholarship Board. He also worked alongside community leaders during the construction of the Morgan Trojan Center.

In addition to education, the Adams family spent nearly 20 years operating the Morgan County News. Marie served as editor and assistant office manager, while Ken wrote articles, editorials, and took thousands of photographs. Their children often helped around the office, and the paper earned multiple state awards for publication excellence.

Ken also served two terms as Morgan County Commissioner during the challenging years surrounding the devastating floods of 1983. He worked closely with local leaders, volunteers, and emergency organizations as the community came together to protect homes and property throughout the county.

The couple has always valued community service. After retirement, they served an LDS educational mission in southwestern Kansas and now serve as ordinance workers in the Ogden LDS Temple.

“The good people of Morgan County mean the world to us,” Marie said. “There’s no better place to live and raise a family.”