Bertrand Eugene “Bert” Evans, Sr., age 91, Cassopolis, died peacefully Thursday, October 25, 2018, at home surrounded by his loving family.
He was the fifth child born February 10, 1927 in Vandalia, Michigan to Homer and Glendora (Anderson) Evans. He married Florence Marie Morrow in Oklahoma in 1945. She preceded him in death on January 6, 1979. He married Jacqueline Elaine Goens February 15, 1980 in Cassopolis, Michigan. She preceded him in death March 18, 2009. He later married Sheila May Richardson November 14, 2009 in Cassopolis. She survives.
Bert worked in body shops most of his life until he opened his own in 1972, Bert’s Body Shop. He was a faithful deacon at First Baptist of Vandalia. He was dedicated to bringing people to Christ. He enjoyed traveling, family dinners at Paradise Lake, tractor pulls at the fair, and sitting in his gazebo. He was a man of great wisdom and promoted keeping peace in his family.
Bert will be greatly missed by family and friends. He leaves to mourn his passing and continue his legacy his wife of nine years, Sheila Evans of Cassopolis; four daughters, Barbara (Roger, Sr.) Lawson of Cassopolis, Judy Curtis of Cassopolis, Angela Evans of South Bend, Denise Smith of South Bend; four sons, Robert (Renee) Grady of Dowagiac, Eric Evans of Cassopolis, Deric (Maryann) Wilson, Phillip Wilson; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren; one brother, Yvonne (Marilyn) Evans of Vandalia; and a host of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Bertrand Eugene Evans, Jr.; three sisters, Marjorie Green, Leona Brown, Betty Lou Evans Lawson; and three brothers, Todd Evans, Richard Evans, and Anthony Wayne “Tony” Evans.
Family and friends will gather Thursday, November 1, 2018 from 12 noon until the service at 2:00 p.m. in Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, 202 North Broadway Street, Cassopolis.
Mr. Evans will be laid to rest in Calvin Center Cemetery in Calvin Township, Michigan when he will be accorded full Military Honors.
The family prefers contributions be made in Bert’s memory to Cass County Cancer Service, Inc. Post Office Box 676, Edwardsburg, Michigan 49112.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or a message online.