John W. Evans

John Wilbert “Johnny” Evans, age 79 years, a resident of the Belknap community, passed away Saturday morning, August 17, 2019, at 5:15 AM at Massac Memorial Hospital in Metropolis, Illinois. Johnny was born April 19, 1940 in the Berea Community in Johnson County Illinois. He was the son of Wilbert Neil Evans and Rhoda Marie (McHenry) Evans. On August 9, 1958, Johnny was united in marriage to Caroline Rose Avery at the Forman Methodist Church. She preceded him in death on February 8, 2008. Survivors include: his daughters – LaDonna Kay (James) Schroeder of Metropolis and Kathy Ann (Bill) Meyers of Belknap; 4 grandchildren – Amanda Jo Schroeder of Ava, Stephanie Nicole Schroeder of Birmingham, Alabama, Tiffany Amber Meyers of Marion, and Ryan James Schroeder of Metropolis; a great grandson – Kyler Bowerman of Ava; a sister – Christina Faulkner of Metropolis; a special niece, Deborah (Rich) Elliott of Karnak and a beloved great nephew, Damon Archey, who Johnny and Caroline Rose thought of as a daughter and grandson. Additionally, Johnny leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends. In addition to his parents and wife, Johnny was preceded in death by: 3 brothers – Weldon Neil “Rip” Evans, Gilbert D. “Gib” Evans and Cecil C. “Preacher” Evans as well as 3 infant brothers. Johnny was a 1958 graduate of Vienna High School. Johnny was employed as a truck driver in his family’s transportation and logging business. He also was employed as an equipment operator by the Johnson County Highway Department. Johnny had also worked as a salesman for Moorman Feed Company. Later, he was a self-employed equipment operator and worked with Morris Mott Construction providing heavy equipment service. He last was employed as an operator at the Calvert City Coal Terminal. Johnny was very community and civic minded. He served for over 40 years as a member of the Belknap Village Board. Johnny dedicated many hours to the village water department and assisting with community clean up. He served for many years on the Belknap Volunteer Fire Department, achieving the rank of Lieutenant, and was one of the original organizers of the annual Belknap Fireman’s Day. Johnny also served for over 13 years as a driver for the Johnson County Ambulance Service. For over 30 years, Johnny devoted countless hours to the Johnson County E.S.D.A. (Emergency Services & Disaster Agency) and served as coordinator many of those years. Johnny was of the Methodist faith and attended the Belknap Community Church. In his youth, Johnny enjoyed hunting. He was also a longtime member of the Metropolis Men’s Bowling League. Johnny is fondly remembered for his dedication in helping others. A service honoring the life of Johnny Evans will be conducted Tuesday morning, August 20, 2019, at 11 AM at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Brother Jeff Evans, one of Johnny’s nephews, assisted by Pastor Monte Reed will officiate. Burial will be in the Belknap Masonic Cemetery. Pastor David Faulkner will officiate at the committal service. Visitation will be held Monday evening, August 19, 2019, from 5 PM – 8 PM at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Memorials may be made to the Belknap Masonic Cemetery, c/o Janet Hester, 305 W. Main St., Belknap, Illinois 62908 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105.

John W. Evans

April 19, 1940 - August 17, 2019