Graveside services for Kenneth Ray Evans, 75 of Stonewall are 2pm Friday March 25, 2022, at Highland Cemetery in Stonewall, Oklahoma. There will be a viewing for family and friends at Criswell Funeral Home from 5:30-7:30 on Thursday March 24, 2022.
Kenneth was born July 21, 1946, in Honey Grove, Texas to Bert William and Rosie Lee Evans. He passed away March 21, 2022, in Ada, Oklahoma.
Survivors include his four daughters: Shannon Wagnon and Brian Flatt of Stonewall, Tisha and Kevin Dillinger of Moore, Traci and Zack Jones of Bixby, and Jennifer Evans of Stonewall. He had eight grandchildren: Tristan Wagnon, Samantha Sims, Nicholas Sims, Jalyn Evans, Logan Jones, Carter Jones, Riley Cranford and Koty and Kyle Dillinger. Two great grandsons: Colin and Mason Mendoza.
He was from a large family, the 7th of 9 kids, and the was the oldest surviving member of his family. His father passed away when he was 10 years old and his mom when he was 15. He then lived with his oldest sister Polly and her husband Terry L. He considered Uncle Terry L his father. He provided him love, a guiding hand and positive influence. They had a great mutual respect and love for each other. After moving to Oklahoma, they had many adventures together fishing, hunting, gardening, multiple building projects and hours of games and remained very close until Terry L’s passing in 2002. Ken missed him terribly after his death.
Kenneth worked at several boat manufacturing plants in the Dallas/Plano area before joining the Navy October 18, 1965. He serviced first on the USS Charles R. Ware before beginning one of his proudest assignments - bringing the “BIG J” out of mothballs to begin her Vietnam campaign. He served aboard the USS New Jersey her whole tour of duty in Vietnam. After two tours in Vietnam, he was honorably discharged from the Navy to begin his family life.
He met Debbie Beck in CA while serving in the Navy. They started a family and were together 52 years until her death in October 2021. They had 6 six children together.
After leaving the Navy he moved to California and started his adult work career at Aradon Trailers in Industry City, CA, building and designing campers and RV’s. At Aradon they specialized in designing and building campers including one of the first 5th wheels for the circus. These builds were specialized for their needs be it very tall or very short circus performers.
He was the manager of design and build repairs at Benlo RV Company in Irwindale, CA before moving to Oklahoma.
He did upholstery work with his father-in-law before starting to work at Solo Cup Company on August 23, 1979. He was the first mechanic hired to work at Solo. ‘Kenny’ as he was known by his work family was a tireless worker, a great guy and even better co-worker. He was considered the sweetest man at work and took care of everyone, especially ‘his girls’. Prior to retirement one of his last acts was to write a book/manual on how to work on or fix the machines used by Solo. His co-workers say he has been missed terribly since his retirement on May 3, 2013.
He had many plans for after retirement, though his health did not allow him to do much. He continued his activities as he was physically able. He was a wonderful gardener and until last year had a large and bountiful garden. He loved to give away any extra vegetables he had. He received joy by giving to others.
He also loved his town ‘farm life’ and has raised chickens for years. He loved giving away eggs to his friends and those who helped him in his life.
Ken was a family man, and he loved his family with all his heart. He worked tirelessly to provide a better life for his family than he had as a child. He was a beloved Papa to his grandkids and fulfilled the role of father for those grandkids who needed it. He spoiled his grandkids. Providing love, attention, snacks, projects, and activities to keep them happy.
There are not enough words to express what a wonderful, loving, funny and caring man he was.
Kenneth is preceded in death by his wife Debbie Evans, his parents Bert and Rosie Lee, infant twin sons Dwayne and Douglas and grandson Nicholas Sims.
Pallbearers will be Brian Flatt, Kevin Dillinger, Zack Jones, Tristan Wagnon, Logan Jones, Samantha Sims and Jalyn Evans.
Criswell Funeral Home, Ada
