Melvin Evans

Melvin Evans was a dedicated father who instilled strong sense of values in his children. He was a modest man, proud of all his family, yet filled with a wonderful sense of humor. As a very salt of the earth kind of person, Melvin was a hard worker even from his earliest moments. The man he grew into reflected this, as he was a stable, thorough and dependable man people were proud to know. In 1937, the United States was just beginning to surface from the effects of the Great Depression. While President Franklin Roosevelt continued to enact his domestic reform program, the New Deal, the political conflicts in Europe were also making headlines. Within two years, World War II would escort a new generation of men into the horrors of battle. Melvin LaVern Evans was born on January 5, 1937, just as these events began to unfold. He was the second child of Gip Evans and Lilly Mae Gentry of Kosciusko, Mississippi. However, Gip left the family shortly after Melvin was born, leaving Lilly to raise him and his older brother, Junior, on her own. After some time, Lilly remarried to Buery Cole and he raised Melvin as his own. Like many young boys of the time, Melvin attended school in Kosciusko through the 7th grade and then went to work in the cotton fields, cotton gins or hauling pulp wood, all to help support the family. Melvins life took a new direction when he met Doris Dial at a picnic and they began dating. It happened that Melvins friend, James Kimbrew, was dating Doris sister, Iola, so they all hung out together. As fate would have it, Melvin and Doris fell in love and were married in 1955. Over the next 10 years, the couple filled their home with the busyness of eight children, including 5 boys: Melvin, George, twins Randy and Ricky, and Larry, and 3 girls: Annie Mae, Dorothy and Diana. In order to find work to support his large family, Melvin, Doris and their children, and Melvins mother and stepfather all moved to Muskegon, Michigan. Here, the men found work at Lakey Foundry and later at Campbell Wyant and Cannon Foundry. With family still in Mississippi, there were always annual trips in the summer back there for visits. The kids have many unforgettable memories of these trips, especially of how their large family and luggage packed into their station wagon for the long trip down, all of which was part of the fun. That poor station wagon, however, had a hard time keeping up some times. Melvin and Doriss marriage hit a rough patch and they split up for a while. During this time, Melvin moved back to his hometown of Kosciusko to work hauling lumber and pulp wood, while his mother, Lilly, helped raise the children back in Muskegon. She instilled in them the Baptist faith and made sure they attended church. Whenever possible, she made sure Melvin got to church too. Some of the children had the opportunity to live with Melvin in Mississippi for a year, though most of them stayed around home. However, they were all able to experience their fathers love and devotion for them, and his strictness too. By example, Melvin taught his sons the value of a strong work ethic. After some time, Melvin returned to Muskegon, but sadly lost his wife, Doris, in 1977. He continued to live with his mother and his children at her home on Peck Street in Muskegon Heights, and went to work as a landscaper at Zelenka Nursery for the next 7 years. By the time Melvin was in his early 50s, his years of hard work took a toll on his body and he began suffering with health problems, including several strokes. Sadly, this left him wheelchair bound and in need of constant care. Melvin lived with mother until she died in 2000, and then went to live with his daughter, Diana, for a few years before staying with his son, Larry. He loved the time he could be around his grandchildren and they could always put a smile on his face. Because of his illnesses, Melvin had trouble talking clearly, but he made sure when he needed something that it was evident what he wanted. He eventually lost both of his legs as his health deteriorated, yet despite his troubles, he never lost his great sense of humor! Melvin loved to pass time watching some old western movies on TV, especially ones that starred John Wayne. His favorite movie by far was Cat Ballou with Jane Fonda and Lee Marvin. For a time, Melvin attended Harvest Tide Church, where his family said he gave his life to Christ. Melvin was an all around good man who loved his family dearly. He will be greatly missed. Melvin LaVern Evans, age 71, died on Tuesday, April 1, 2008. He is survived by 4 sons: Melvin (Evelyn) Evans, George Evans, Randy (Lena) Evans, Larry Evans, all of Muskegon; 3 daughters: Annie May (Sam) Turnipseed of Muskegon, Dorothy (Larry) Hannah of Muskegon, Diana (Eddie) Burnett of Grand Rapids; 33 grandchildren, 39 great grandchildren & 4 great great grandchildren. Mr. Evans was preceded in death by his wife, Doris; son, Ricky Evans, in 2000; and mother, Lilly Mae Cole. Services for Melvin will be held on Monday, April 7, at 11:00 a.m. at Clock Chapel of Clock Life Story Funeral Home in Muskegon. Interment will be at Mona View Cemetery. Friends and relatives may visit with his family on Sunday, April 6, from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Please visit Melvins memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory with his family or sign his online guest book.