James Kenneth Evans, 81

Graveside services for James Kenneth Evans, 81, of Aurora, were held Nov. 23, 2020, in the Lilly Ridge Cemetery east of Gainesville. Mr. Evans died Nov. 18 at Mercy Hospital in Springfield.

He was born Sept. 1, 1939, in West Plains, the son of Jim and Leta Ford Evans. He graduated from Gainesville High school in 1957, and on July 8, 1957, he married Loretta Crisp. They spent nearly 57 years together before her death in 2014. She was the love of his life.

Mr. Evans worked in the stave mill industry for several years before settling in Aurora in 1977. He began a career in real estate, working as an appraiser, but his passion was fly fishing and fly tying. He was a devout Christian who loved the Lord and loved his family. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his three sons: Clint Evans and wife Susan of Springfield, Mark Evans and wife Bobbie of Franklin, Tennessee, and Jim Evans and wife Dawn of Star City, Arkansas; three grandchildren James, Michael and Brittany; three great-grandchildren; and one brother, Ron Evans and wife Susan of Lexington, North Carolina.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife, Loretta.

Memorial contributions may be made to Lilly Ridge Cemetery. 

Arrangements by Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville.