Benjamin Emil Evans

He was born February 6, 1916 in Keysville, Missouri, the second son of Philip Barton Evans and Lizzie Evans of St. James, Missouri. His only brother George Wesley Edward Evans preceded him in death in 1972.

After graduating from John F. Hodge High School in St. James, Missouri, he continued his education at Northwest Missouri State College in Maryville, Missouri. After eighteen months, he left to pursue an interest in aeronautics. He trained in aircraft mechanics at Ryan’s Aeronautical and Consolidated Vultee in San Diego, CA. He eventually returned to St. Louis where he was employed at McDonnell Douglas for 28 years. For seventeen years he enjoyed working on Phantom F4 Jets and he enjoyed 20 years of flight line launch support. Prior to retiring he enjoyed work and travel for McDonnell Douglas as he assisted in providing contractor engineering technical services in Iran and Israel.

He married twice and had three children: Ruth Carnahan and Philip Evans from his first marriage and Ryan Evans from his second marriage. He is also survived by four grandsons: Daniel, Eric, Chris and Cole.

After retiring he found a home at Stanton, Arizona’s Lost Dutchman Mining Camp. For over 30 years he lived and worked there. He enjoyed being a part of helping the LDMA grow from a primitive camp into the beautiful fully equipped recreation area it is today. He was a lifetime and original charter member of the Lost Dutchman Mining Association, Gold Prospectors of America, and the 24 Karat Gold Club. He loved traveling, gold prospecting, desert gardening, and the fellowship of many LDMA prospectors. He especially loved rafting the Grand Canyon and many hikes up Bell Rock in Sedona.

He was a very kind, honest, humble and hardworking man.

Memorials in Arizona and Missouri are being planned for later dates.

Arrangements made by Kraeer Funeral Home, Coral Springs, Florida. (954) 753-8960. www.kraeercoralsprings.com