W. T. "Pete" Evans

Pete was the 4th of 12 children. 7 brothers: Jay, Arthur, Luke John D, Everett, Coy, and Paul and 4 sisters: Florence, Jean, Bell and Sue. Most people thought Pete was the oldest child, because he took the leadership role, at an early age. It was a role he maintained his entire life. A sister once said if they where Italian ,“Pete would be the God Father.”

Sister-in-laws, Joann Kendrix and Betty Jo Woodard. Brother-in-law, Jimmy Sloniger and wife, Lily.

He attended Ravia High School, graduated and joined the United States Army May 7, 1946.

Pete was in the Korean War. He earned the WW II Victory Medal. He was a Sergeant, Tech 4 and was assigned to field artillery. He had 13 men under him. He was Honorably Discharged on October 28, 1947.

After serving his time in the United States Army he met the love of his life, Bayara Sloniger of Bea, Oklahoma. They were married in Gainesville, Texas on October 16, 1948.When the Lord called Pete home, he was holding the hand of his beloved wife.

They had 3 loving children. A daughter, Debbie and husband, Denny Lewis of Ocala, Florida, sons Bruce and wife, Connie Evans and Terry and Janice Evans of Odessa, Texas. 8 grandchildren: Tammie, Jason, Shannon, Jeremy, Joey, Jessica, Aaron, Ashley, and all their spouses. 6 great-grandchildren and 2 on the way: Christopher and Corey Escobio, Gavin and Evan Stacey, Joseph and Zackary Gonzales.

Pete’s three angels: Vickie Lee, who was there for him during his years at the V.F.W.; Holly Stephens, his right-hand at the AMVETS; Crystal Flowers, his ‘adopted granddaughter’, who helped make the last years of his life happy and productive. These ladies were very special to him.

Pete’s Extended Family included all of his “friends and family” of the Amvets, VFW, and bingo hall. They were all very precious to him.

Pete was a loving, kind and giving brother, husband, father, grandfather and great- grandfather. He was full of life and always had a great story to tell with a smile on his face. Pete believed in hard work and discipline. He showed that by working every day until the last days of his life.

Pete founded Evans Floor Covering and taught most of his family the flooring business. He gave them his knowledge and an opportunity to open their own business in Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas.

He was instrumental in building VFW Post 4372, and was a lifetime member. Under Pete’s leadership this post became #1 in the nation, for donations to charities and membership drives. He was named All American Commander of the VFW. He was Quarter Master for many years. He was instrumental in expanding charitable bingo in the state of Texas. In Pete’s later years he chose to spend his time and energy to build the Amvets Post 007, and because of his guidance they will continue to oversee his good works.

Although Pete will be missed by all, his good works will continue on through the many projects he began:

W.T. Evans Memorial Scholarship fund,

Mission in Presidio

PAWS Animal rescue, Big Bend Intertribal Pow Wow and Turtle Association

Veterans Memorial Monument Ector Co. Cemetery

Sherwood (Park Forest) planted the 1st 100 trees, Volunteered and supported VA hospital,

Bought a van to transfer patients and organized patients day out dinner for the VA hospital in Big Springs Texas, Donated and sponsored to 100’s of Charities,

Founder of Door of Hope Mission, Cooked Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners for the veterans and general public, Organized Pancake Breakfast and Spaghetti Dinners for Odessa High and Permian High School Bands, Lite a Bike campaign, started and funded Boy Scout troop #777

We were all richly blessed to have had the opportunity to have Pete in our lives .

In lieu of flowers please send donations to American Diabetes 3001 N. Big Springs Suite 104 Midland, Texas 79705 432-570-1232 in Honor of W.T. (Pete) Evans.

Public Visitation will be held Today Thursday March 14,2013 from 4pm to 9pm with a Family Gathering with Friends from 6:30 pm-8:30 pm at Odessa Funeral Home

Graveside Services will be held Friday March 15,2013 at 3:00pm at American Heritage West Texas Memorial Park Cemetery 4020 N FM 1788.

Please send condolences to the

American Diabetes Association in Honoring W.T. (Pete) Evans

432-570-1232 3001 N. Big Springs Suite 104 Midland TX 79705