Adam John Toren of Shawnee, Kansas, lost his long battle with cancer on April 17, 2021. He was 41 years old. Adam was born in Hinsdale, Illinois on November 28, 1979, to John and Susan Toren. His childhood was spent going to church, playing games with his brothers, and playing the role of catcher and homerun hitter for his softball team. The church played a large role in his life as both a participant and a volunteer, at all levels of childhood and youth ministry. Adam’s love of children drove him to graduate with an Elementary Education degree from Emporia State University. He spent a number of years teaching in the church’s preschool while also teaching Sunday School, and eventually working towards a degree in ministry. During this time, he also worked as an administrator at Community Covenant Church in Lenexa, Kansas.
Adam will be remembered by the children he taught for his big heart, his passion to see them learn and grow, and his ability to make the learning process fun. He will be remembered by his colleagues for his work ethic, his surprise lunches, and his warmth. He will be remembered by all who met him for his unlimited generosity, his big heart, and as an idealist, who always strove to make and see a better world.
Adam is survived by his parents, John and Susan, his brothers and sister-in-law Scott and Laura Toren, Matthew Toren, and Alex Toren, and was preceded in death by his sister Beth Ann. In lieu of flowers, Adam asked those interested to make donations to Community Covenant Church general fund or designate those gifts for the ministry with which they most strongly associate him. Gifts may also be made to Kansas City Hospice House.
A celebration of life service will be held at Community Covenant Church, 15700 W 87th Street Parkway, Lenexa, KS on May 15, 2021 at 10 am followed by a light lunch reception.