John D. Evans

John D. Evans, 83, passed away at Memorial Hospital on Wednesday, October 14, 2015.  John was born on  August 8, 1932 in Elijah, MO, to Vince S. Evans and Tavie (Dodson) Evans.  He married Helen M. (Willis) Smith on January 25, 1980 in North Liberty, IN.  She survives.  Also surviving are two daughters, Tammy (Gregory) Townsent of East Peoria, IL, and Tavelle Evans of California; two sons, Terry (Nancy) Evans of Washington, IL, and John D. (Shannon) Evans, Jr. of Pekin, IL; two step-sons, Rocky (Beth) Smith and Scott Smith, both of North Liberty, IN; one brother, Lawrence (Jamie) Evans of Caulfield, MO; three sisters, Earlene (James) Harris of Bakersfield, MO; Loretta (Darrell) Milstead of Mountain Home, AR; and Carolyn (Jack) Peterman of Caulfield, MO; brother-in-law Robert Arnett of Caulfield, MO; 17 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.  John was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and one sister.

                John had been a Plant Supervisor for Caterpillar, Inc. in East Peoria, IL for more than 47 years, retiring in 1998.  He was the past president of the North Liberty Chamber of  Commerce, where he received the Outstanding and Years of Dedication Service Award in 1991.  He was also president of the North Liberty Community Building Association for many years and supervised the building of the North Liberty Community Center in 1988.  He was instrumental in getting the telephone building donated to the Chamber of Commerce for the First St. Joseph County Library in North Liberty.  He helped in the formation of the North Liberty Development Corporation where he was Secretary/Treasurer for 15 years.  John was a member of the VFW in North Liberty and proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.  John was also a member of the Lydick United Methodist Church and the Masonic Lodge in North Liberty. 

                Funeral Services will take place on Saturday, October 17, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. at Palmer Funeral Home - North Liberty Chapel, 202 N. Main Street, North Liberty, IN.  Pastor Jungbum Kim will officiate.  Friends may visit with the family from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home.  Military graveside services and burial will follow at Westlawn Cemetery, North Liberty, IN.

                Contributions may be made in memory of John Evans to Lydick United Methodist Church, 26510 W. Edison Road, South Bend, IN 46628.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

 Service Information