GERALD VANTON EVANS

Gerald Evans, Gainesville, MO, was born April 17, 1930 in Elijah, MO and passed away February 22, 2009 in Mountain Home, AR at the age of 78 years. He was the son of General and Gladys (Graham) Evans.

He attended Gainesville High School where he lettered in basketball and graduated in 1949. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and received the Korean Service medal with three bronzed campaign stars, the United Nations Service medal, and the National Defense Service medal. In the year 2000 he also received a certificate of recognition for his service during the 50th anniversary of the Korean conflict, and later received a medal and a letter of appreciation signed by the then president of South Korea, Kim Dae Jung.

In the 1950's he traveled to central Illinois seeking employment and settled in Washington, IL. He was employed by Caterpillar, Inc. of East Peoria, IL and would retire from Caterpillar in 1982. He was a member of UAW local 974. After retirement, Gerald returned to the Ozarks, settling in Gainesville.

In 1974 he married Emily Larue Crisp of Gainesville, MO. She passed away in 2001.

Gerald was an avid bowler and fisherman. He was never happier than when he felt the tug of a small mouth bass on the other end of his fishing line. He loved playing cards with his friends and attending local musical programs in various communities around the area.

He is survived by his son Jeffrey T. Evans and wife Ok Rye of Pekin, IL; his daughter Melody J. Evans of Normal, IL; his granddaughter Dorothy Grace Evans of Pekin, IL; his sister Shirley Laird and husband Reed of Smithville, MO; his sister Janice Hall of West Plains, MO; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Also surviving are members of an extended family that includes Nicki McFarland and husband Joe of Gainesville, MO; Tawnya Krempges and husband Steve of Mt. Vernon, MO; Derek Crisp of Hillsboro, MO; their children who knew him as "Grandpa"; and a special friend Velma Strong of Gainesville, MO.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Burl and General Jr.; and one sister Juhree.

Funeral services will be 1:00 PM on Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville, MO with David Evans officiating. Interment will be in the Clear Springs Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from Noon to service time at the funeral home.