Earl Evans Obituary

On the 54th anniversary of his retirement, and at the joyful age of 101, Dad retired again on Aug. 1, 2024.
Earl Lincoln Evans was born the sixth child of William Albert Evans and Jennie Margaret Gilbert Evans on Dec. 23, 1922, in Blairsville, Ga.
Dad lost his father as a young boy, and along with his sister Audrey, dedicated himself to ensuring his mom was cared for.
At 17, he spent a year in California in a Civilian Conservation Corps Camp prior to enlisting in the Navy, where he served in the South Pacific during World War II. He later joined the Air Force, serving during the Korean Conflict and in Vietnam. Dad retired from military service Aug. 1, 1970 after 27 years.
Once retired, Dad became a "gentleman farmer," enjoying his cattle, horses, emus and garden.
Dad was a proud member of Thomas A. Hamilton Masonic Lodge in Riceville, Tenn., for 34 years. He was a true believer in service to country, family and community.
Earl was predeceased by his parents; brothers, Cecil, Frank and Denver; sisters, Willie, Mable and Audrey; daughter, Margaret Owens; infant granddaughter, Kimberly Critelli; grandson, Lincoln Evans; and former wife Gladys.
He is survived by his life's treasures, sons, Charles (Connie) and Richard (Ruth); daughters, Linda Critelli (Anthony) and Rebecca Wehr (Robert); 12 grandchildren, James Owens III (Stephanie), Christine Owens Hare (Laurence), Anthony Critelli (Sandi), Nicholas Critelli (Jessica), Amanda Critelli Westphal (Zachary), Cameron Evans (Kim), Samuel Evans (Lynette), Sara Wehr, Jessica Wehr (Aron), Emily Wehr, Ricca Evans O'Connor (Michael), and Dillon Evans (Amanda); 26 great-grandchildren: Ashlynn, Sydney, Justin, Thomas, Anderson, Jack, Olivia, Punky, Titan, Austin, Dalton, Kamryn, Jane, Makaylee, Garrison, William, Andersen, Campbell, Oliver, Matilda, Ella, Evan, Emerson, Elise, Haisley and Waylon; his youngest sister, Alberta Stokes; many nieces and nephews whom he loved; and cherished life-long friends, Mrs. Blanche Candler and Mrs. Patsy Davenport.
We are grateful for the love given to Dad by the staff in Building 5 of Stonehenge Senior Living, particularly Nichole, Megan, Kelly and Alex; as well as Pruitt Hospice Service for their gentle care.
Services will be held at Cochran McDaniel Funeral Home (41 Hunt Martin St., Blairsville, Ga.) at 2:30 p.m., Friday, Aug. 9, 2024. Burial with full military honors will follow at Ebenezer Cemetery, located off Gum Log Road in Blairsville.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Dad's memory to the charity of your choice.
Cochran McDaniel Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.