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Van Frank Evans of Tulsa, Oklahoma was born on Tuesday, May 8, 1951 to Norma Jean and N.B. Evans in Little Rock, Arkansas. On Thursday, October 17, 2024, at the age of 73, Frank peacefully joined his Mom and Dad in Heaven. He was surrounded by loved ones.
Frank graduated from Choctaw High School in 1969. He was called into the ministry at the age of 18. He also followed in his father's footsteps and chose to serve our great country in the Army National Guard. He married the love of his life, Joy Jenkins in 1971. They were married for 38 years. He built an amazing career following God and serving people as a Baptist Preacher for almost 40 years. Along the way, he developed a love of computers and computer technology. He quickly promoted up through administration to become the Chief Information Officer over multiple hospitals. He always called himself "The Shepherd of the Nerd Herd." Frank was passionately known by several nicknames including, "Brother Frank" to his congregations, "Rip" or "Uncle Rip" to his family, "Dad" to his son and daughter, but there was one title that meant more to him than any other title. That was the title of "Papa."
Frank is survived by his children: His son, Van Frank Evans Jr (wife Elizabeth) of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and his daughter, Jamie Beth Jones (husband Donnie) of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Frank is also survived by his siblings: Katie (husband Bill) Kersh of Bosier City, Louisianna, Debby Hawkins of Conway, Arkansas Mike (wife Maggie) Evans of Decatur, Arkansas, and Jennifer Evans of Conway, Arkansas. Frank is also survived by his three (in his opinion) "absolutely perfect" granddaughters: Lillian Grace Evans, Evan Presley Jones, and Parker Lennon Jones. He was very open about the fact that they were indeed, his favorite three people in the world. In Franks opinion, they could do no wrong. He was often known for correcting people who ever told his granddaughters "no" for any reason. He would say, we don't tell MY grandbabies no. Frank is also survived by several nieces and nephews, as well as great nieces and nephews.
Frank had an infectious smile and a laugh that could make anyone smile. He loved to travel, try out new restaurants, and of course, spend time with his family. Frank had a heart for God. He taught his children to always put God first and to live to glorify our Father in Heaven. Frank was often known for his strong opinions, which he would gladly share with anyone willing to listen (even if it wasn't what you wanted to hear.) He loved movies. He could quote almost any movie, but he would get so excited when watching them that he usually ended up spoiling the ending. I once heard him ask someone if they had "ever seen the movie, The Sixth Sense, it's the one where he was actually dead the whole time...."
Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Norma Jean (Nevills) aka "Mamaw" and N.B. Evans aka "Papaw" of Conway, Arkansas, as well as his niece, Sarah Elizabeth Evans.
Frank's legacy will live on for years to come. He touched so many lives during the 73 years he was on this earth. His love for his family and community will be cherished by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He will be deeply missed but we will see him again one day when God calls us home.
Memorial service 1:00 p.m. Thursday, October 24, 2024 at Memorial Heights Church, 1500 West Will Rogers Boulevard, Claremore, Oklahoma. Reverend James Rehanek officiating.
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