Donald Lynn Evans

Donald “Don” Lynn Evans, age 85, of Cut and Shoot, Texas, rode off into the sunset on the morning of April 1, 2025. He was preceded in death by his father, Jess Carl Evans; mother, Veda Jewel Evans; and brother, J.C. Evans.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Bettye Cheshier Evans; daughters, Tracy Lynn Singh and Donelle Reylin Guy; grandchildren, Ricky Evans Alder, Jessica Lynn Bobo, and Zane Alexander Guy; and four great-grandchildren.

Don was born on May 25, 1939, and spent his early days on a ranch in Mertzon, Texas, with a doting mother and a father who embodied what it meant to be a cowboy. As a young boy, Don rode his horse, Frijoles, to the bus stop for the single school in the small town. During his teenage years, his family moved between ranches, ending up back in San Angelo, where he played football and basketball. He attended the local junior college, where he had received a scholarship in English, but patriotism and service were deeply rooted in Don; his father fought in World War I, and his brother fought in World War II, so it was no surprise when he volunteered for the military.

He was an adventurer at heart, and after spending two and a half years in the Texas National Guard, going through Army Ranger School, he transferred to the Navy and completed Submarine School. He was assigned to the USS Thornback (SS 418), where he became the Fuel King and had a front-row seat to history, witnessing events such as Castro's walk into Havana.

After six and a half years, he left active duty with a bachelor’s degree, but his adventures had only begun. He moved to Houston and began a distinguished career in the airline industry that took him first to the Orient, then to the Caribbean during a time of political upheaval, then to the Soviet Union as it collapsed, and to the Middle East as it escalated towards Desert Storm. Don hung his hat in many places during his career, from California to Miami, eventually making his way back to Houston, where he met Bettye and started a new chapter in his story.

He worked various jobs in transportation and closed the circle by retiring from the Houston Intercontinental Airport after 10 years as a dispatcher. True to spirit, he moved out of the city and stayed active, working on his home, where you could often find him sitting on the porch, reminiscing about his past and sharing stories with those willing to listen.

Don was a cowboy at heart who became a true man of the world as he not only witnessed but also took part in transformative events of his time. His spirit will be remembered and honored by those lucky enough to have shared a drink, heard a story, or lived an adventure with him.

Please disregard any previous service information for it was inaccurate. A Memorial will be held at a later date. Until then please share photos and stories here under the share memories box.