John Evans, 89, a long-term resident of Clarksburg, Charleston and, most recently, of Maplewood Retirement Community in Bridgeport, died Monday, Oct. 26, 2015 following a brief illness.
He was born Feb. 1, 1926 in Beverly, the youngest son of the late Kent Taylor Evans and Della D. (Lantz) Evans. He was married on Aug. 9, 1946 to the former Margie Jean Gillespie of Clarksburg, who died Aug. 14, 2004. They were married for 58 years.
Surviving are four sons, Phillip and his wife, Becky, of South Jordan, Utah, Jeffrey and his wife, Terri, of Washington, Pa., Michael and his wife, Carol, of Bridgeport and Charles Mitchell and his wife, Ann, of Charleston. In addition, he is survived by five grandchildren, Seth, Katie, Ethan, Travis and Trevor, and one great-grandson, Ryder.
Preceding him in death were four sisters, Lela Hart, Grace Evans White, Mary Roberts and Jane Bolton. He was also preceded in death by four brothers, Herman, Kent Taylor, William and Wilson Evans.
In 1944, he was graduated early from Belington High School, joined the U.S. Navy and reported for duty at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station. Later that year, he volunteered for service aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Nassau, when the ship was in port in San Diego, Calif. He served in the South Pacific Theater of Operations and was honorably discharged in February 1946.
Following his service to his country, he furthered his education at West Virginia Business College in Clarksburg. He began his career in financial services as a representative of the United Insurance Company in Salisbury, Md.
In 1957, he joined his brother, Herman, at IDS Financial Services (now Ameriprise). He was later promoted to district manager. In 1980 he was appointed division manager of the Charleston office and assumed responsibility for the firm's activities throughout West Virginia. He thoroughly enjoyed his career and helped hundreds of people accumulate wealth and provide for their families.
At age 62, he retired from IDS and he and his wife, Jeanie, returned to Clarksburg. They enjoyed winters in Florida and Arizona, but always looked forward to returning to their family, friends and church in West Virginia.
John was an active member of United Methodist Temple Church, Clarksburg. He had a lifelong commitment to helping young people achieve their potential, and for many years was director of the church youth program. After retirement, he shared his expertise in financial management as church treasurer for nearly 20 years.
Having grown up on a farm, John enjoyed working with his hands. He could understand and repair mechanical devices of every size and description. His four sons are particularly grateful for his ability to diagnose problems and provide instruction on the indicated repair (at times by late night, long distance phone calls).
He was a proud charter member of the 4 "Cs" Cardiac Rehab Group and faithfully participated in the program for 23 years at the direction of his good friend, Cheryl Farley, UHC coordinator of cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation.
He was a member of Herman Masonic Lodge No. 6, the York Rite bodies of Masonry Adoniram Chapter No. 11 and Clarksburg Commandry No. 13. He was also a member of VFW Post 410 Laurel Mountain Lodge and Belington Lodge No. 73, IOOF.
Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, at Amos Carvelli Funeral Home, 201 Edison St., Nutter Fort. Mr. Evans will be taken to the United Methodist Temple, 665 Locust Ave., Clarksburg, to lie in state for one hour prior to the service, which will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 30, with the Rev. Dustin D.G. McCune officiating.
Interment will follow in West Virginia National Cemetery, Pruntytown, where a military honor guard will render full honors. Members of Herman (Masonic) Lodge No. 6 will administer final rites at the gravesite.
The family welcomes gifts to the United Methodist Temple Church, to glory of God, and in honor of John's life.
Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family at www.amoscarvelli.com.
A service of Amos Carvelli Funeral Home.