Johnny Wendell Evans 1944-2023

Johnny Wendell Evans passed away peacefully at his home in Tomball on Sept. 1, 2023 after having lived a wonderful and blessed life.

John was preceded in death by his father and mother, William Lee and Sallie Evans; his wife, Charlene Evans; his siblings, Mattie Lou Evans, Nelwyn Hall, Charles Evans, Stanley Evans, Mabel Altmeyer, Nettie Lanham, Dan Evans, Don Evans and Myra Evans; and son-in-law, David Mason.

John is survived by his wife, Judy Evans; children, Angela Aitken and husband Mark, Allison Mason, Lance Matheson and wife Michelle, Deana Phillpott and husband Carl, and Kyle Matheson and wife Joy; siblings, Jean McLain, Jesse Evans and wife Lois, and Ruth Evans; and grandchildren, Megan Brown, Cole, Jacob and Lacey Matheson, Josh Phillpott and Caleb and Jared Matheson.

John was a faithful Christian, husband, father, brother and friend who worked diligently to build a beautiful life for himself and his family. He was often heard to say he was blessed because he was born into a good family and married into and nurtured good family, not once but twice. John was a member of the Tomball United Methodist Church before moving to Redeemer Church.

After graduating from Mineola High School in 1963, Johnny attended Tyler Junior College pursuing a business degree. He began working on the docks for Merchant’s Fast Motor Lines while expecting his first child. With hard work and determination, he worked his way up to management and provided strong leadership there until he left to be a part of PCI.

It wasn’t until after his retirement that John found his true calling when he began working with children through the church. His work with the Hufsmith Children’s Program and as a Bible Study Fellowship Children’s Leader helped plant seeds of faith in the hearts of many children.

In addition to working with children, John also loved to spend time with family and friends. One of his favorite pastimes was spoiling his dog, Evie. John was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing at the Tomball Country Club several days a week with the senior golfers. John’s love of sports was cultivated during his high school days in Mineola where he wore number 75 on his football jersey. He and his teammates competed in the state quarterfinals in 1962 but were beaten by the eventual state champions, Jacksboro. The men on this team have remained close since high school and have gathered to reminisce and support each other through many joyous as well as difficult times in each of their lives.

His loving presence, patience and love of life will be missed by everyone who knew him.

Celebration of Life for Johnny Wendell Evans was held on Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023 at Redeemer Church in Tomball. 

Graveside service will be Saturday, Sept. 16 at 10 a.m. at Turner Cemetery, Mineola (turn off Hwy. 80 East onto FM 3056).

Lunch following the service at New Hope Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, Mineola (turn off Hwy. 80 East onto County Road 2651, address is 3855 FM 1801, Mineola).