Adam R. Van Avery Obituary

Age 40 of Kalamazoo passed away from accidental injuries sustained at work on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. Adam was born in Kalamazoo on January 22, 1985, the son of Brad and Peggy (McNees) Van Avery. He was a graduate of Comstock High School. Adam was a bigger than life persona. He was a star racecar driver, 2-Time Points Runner-Up Sportsman Class at Galesburg Speedway. In 2009, he led 91 of 100 laps in the Freedom 100 at Galesburg Speedway, where he also qualified into the A-feature 2009 Supershoe. He also won Sportsman Feature at Galesburg, breaking the previous ten race streak. Twice he was Rookie of the Year; once in 2007 and again in 2008. In 2012, 2021, 2023, and 2024 he was the Track Champion at Galesburg. He was the Nascar Rookie of the Year at Kalamazoo Speedway in 2011. When he wasn't racing cars, he loved to fish. As a child he was on the state championship Little League baseball team. Adam is survived by his son, Carson Van Avery; daughter, Payton Van Avery; parents, Brad and Peggy Van Avery; brothers, Jesse Van Avery and Chad (Shona) Drake; longtime friends and companions, Whitney Galan and Jamie Payne; several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins; and friends, too many to enumerate or mention. He was preceded in death by his grandparents.