Ronald Evans

Ronald Clarence Evans, 93, of Jackson passed away Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016, at his home.

He was born March 23, 1923, in De Soto, Missouri, to Vernon A. and Genevieve A. McCreary Evans. He and Dorothy Thayer were married in 1944. She passed away in 2006. In 1970, he married Audrey "Jean" Brown. She passed away in 2001.

Ron was a 1941 graduate of De Soto High School. He then attended Central College in Fayette, Missouri. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps on June 30, 1942, serving during World War II. In February 1944, he was commissioned a pilot, and in March 1945, an aeronautical engineer. He was stationed state-side, at bases in Lubbock, Texas; Lowry Field; Alamogordo, New Mexico; and Biggs Field, Texas. He was assigned to active reserve in March 1946 and inactive reserve in June 1954.

In 1947, Ron received a bachelor of science in mathematics and in 1950 a master of science in education, both from Central Missouri State in Warrensburg. In subsequent years, he worked to complete his doctoral in education, completing his course work in 1976 through the University of Missouri, Columbia.

From 1947 to 1980, Ron taught school and was an administrator in the following Missouri schools: Butler, De Soto, Caledonia, Bismarck, Bonne Terre and Cassville, retiring in 1981.

His other affiliations include the Missouri Association of School Administrators; Missouri State Teachers Association; Southwest Missouri Association of School Administrators; Washington County Teachers Association (president 1955-1956); St. Francois County Teachers Association (president 1963-1964); Mo-Ark Division X of Kiwanis International (president 1970); Tryo Lodge 12, AF&AM in Caledonia; Coperstone Chapter 33, R.A.M. in De Soto; Bonne Terre Council 43, R&SM; De Soto Commandery 56, K.T.; and Altenthal-Joerns American Legion Post 158 in Jackson.

Loving survivors include four daughters, Janette (David) Miller of Salina, Kansas, Judy (Ralph) Sharp and Carol (Darrell) Gallaher of Jackson and Kathleen (Kenny) Klemp of Farmington, Missouri; three sons, Douglas Evans of Ottawa, Kansas, Richard (Lori) Evans of Freeman, Missouri, and Michael (Deidre) Evans of Neosho, Missouri; a stepson, Ricky Evans of Joplin, Missouri; 18 grandchildren, Roger, Ed, Kim, Jeff, Richard, Todd, Jennifer, Samantha, Erynne, Greg, Amanda, Angela, Devin, Jenna, Lauren, Hannah, Catherine and Emily; 18 great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Robert (Dorothy) Evans of Littleton, Colorado, and Howard (Mary) Evans of Austin, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wives, Dorothy and Audrey "Jean"; and a brother, Jon Evans.

Friends may call from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson. The Altenthal-Joerns American Legion Post 158 of Jackson will present an honor guard service at 4:30 p.m.

The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Monday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Eric Coher officiating. Interment will be in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, with full military honors.

Memorials may be made to American Legion Post 158 or Jackson Senior Citizens (Meals on Wheels Program).

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.