Jacky Ray Evans was born on October 17, 1936 in El Dorado, Arkansas to Omer Clarence Evans and Octie Elizabeth Morrison Evans.
Jack grew up working in his father’s oil company and in 1952 their company relocated to Poplar Montana. Jack and his father rolled into town on July 4th and on July 5th, Jack met a beautiful young girl named Carol, who was working at the local café. Their first date was within that week. They were both 15 years old at the time. Jack and Carol were married four years later on June 16th, 1956. They moved to Missoula, Montana where Jack finished his undergraduate degree at the University of Montana. He was offered a full commission in the US Army Signal Corps. That was the start of a 22-year career in the Army where he was exceptionally proud to serve his country. Jack was the Division Commander of the Big Red One. He was awarded the Legion of Merit Award and served in the Vietnam war and in the pentagon before he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. Jack covered 56 different countries while working in the Army.
After retiring from the Army, Jack and Carol, moved to Bolivar Missouri. They eventually settled in Springfield and operated 5 TCBY Yogurt franchises for the next 20 years. Jack was a long-term member of James River Church where he enjoyed his Life Group very much.
During their 61 years of marriage, Jack and Carol had three children; Curtis Ray Evans who is married to Kimberly, Kelly Ann Ruble who is married to Mark, and Michael Bradley Evans who is married to Tracy. Jack is now with his other three children that did not survive until birth. Jack is the patriarch of 10 grand children and 6 great grandchildren all of whom know the Lord. His greatest joys in life were knowing Jesus, being with his family, and serving with his friends at James River Church.