Evangeline Werner, 88, of Fort Smith, AR entered into rest on Thursday, July 27, 2023. She was born on August 8, 1934 in Fort Smith to the Late Lawrence and Margaret Sharum. She was a descendant of a Pioneer family, her Grandfather was Urban G. Sharum, the original land settler of Massard, AR, and Michael Von Hatten, owner of Von Hatten Bakery of Fort Smith. She was a member of Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Barling, AR.
In 1954, she was the first Miss Universe at Westark College. She was Executive secretary to three Commanding Generals at Fort Chaffee, AR. She was the widow of Leonard John Werner and preceded in death by brother Gene Sharum, sister Margaret Ann Lafoon and nephew Robert Lafoon.
She is survived by daughter Camille Anne Werner and nephews Leo W. Lafoon, Jr., Travis Lafoon, Linda, Frank (Jana), and Larry (Roselyn) Sharum, all of Fort Smith.
Graveside service will be 11:00 am Tuesday, August 1, 2023 at the Pavilion of the Fort Smith National Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home of Fort Smith.
Public viewing will be from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm Monday, July 31, 2023 at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Scholastica Monastery Continuing Care Fund, P.O. Box 3489, Fort Smith, AR 72913 or to Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 1301 Frank St., Barling, AR 72923.
