Pat Evans

Patrick "Pat" Frissell Evans, 72, of Cape Girardeau peacefully passed away Monday, Aug. 31, 2020, at his home, Elmwood.

Pat was born in Cape Girardeau on May 21, 1948, at the old Saint Francis Hospital.

Pat was the direct descendant of the iconic Southeast Missouri Giboney/Houck families, and he resided in the more-than-200-year-old family estate, Elmwood, for the majority of his life.

He was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of the Vietnam War and an avid reader of old West and war novels.

He was involved in many community clubs, specifically Elks Lodge No. 639, as well as a 44-year member of the Cape Girardeau Noon Lions Club, where he was an integral part of the annual Pancake Day and served a stint as the "Tail-Twister."

Pat, known to his friends as "Gator," will be remembered for his unforgettable, fun-loving humor and fearless courage to remain unapologetically himself. He was extremely generous to those he loved and cared for and always looked forward to spending time with his friends, whether it was with his "Tuesday card game crew" or the many annual golf trips.

Just like the cowboys he loved reading about, he had a gruff and steadfast exterior, but those who knew him well saw his heart of gold and his undying love for his wife, sons/daughters-in-law, and especially his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Childs and Mary Evans, and brother, Robert Childs Evans Jr. of Cape Girardeau.

Pat is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Cheryl Evans of Cape Girardeau, and their three sons, Patrick F. (Amy) Evans and children — Alexandra, Nathaniel and Patrick Rue — of Lake Ozark, Missouri; Matthew Evans of Cape Girardeau and children — Ethan and Gwen; and Charles (Allison) Evans and child — Cecelia — of Cape Girardeau. He is also survived by his brothers, William G. (Karen) Evans of Bonne Terre, Missouri, and Louis Houck (Mary) Evans of Scott City; and sister, Mary Elizabeth Auer of Cape Girardeau; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

There will be no visitation. A private family ceremony will be held.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in memory of Pat "Gator" Evans.

Arrangements were by Ford and Sons Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

"There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. Yet that will be the beginning." —Louis L'Amour