Ray E. Evans

Ray E. Evans, 76, of Fort Smith, died April 23, 2011 in Fort Smith. He was a U.S. Marine for 23 years having retired from the Corps. at the rank of Gunnery Sergeant. Subsequent to his service to his country, he was appointed the Sebastian County Veteran Services Officer where he served his fellow veterans and their dependents for 25 years throughout Western Arkansas and Eastern Oklahoma. He was a Christian and a member of Oak Cliff Baptist Church in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

He was a loving father and brother and is survived by two daughters, Pamela Raylene Stuart of Van Buren and Stephanie Stubblefield and her husband Scott of Fort Smith; two sons, David Allen Evans of Fort Smith and Chris Honaker and his wife Deborah of Greenwood; nine grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, and two great great grandchildren; and also his very special friend, Micki Watts of Fort Smith. Additionally, he is survived by two sisters, Shirley Omartian and her husband Harry of Glenview, Illinois and Judy Randolph of Fort Smith; one brother, Ron Evans and his wife, Emily of Fort Smith and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Shirley Evans, two grandchildren and his parents, Edgar Thomas Evans and Lucille Quinlivan Evans, both formerly of Mansfield, Arkansas.

Funeral service will be Thursday, April 28, 2011 at 10:30 AM in the Oak Cliff Baptist Church with burial to follow in the U.S. National Cemetery with Full Honors all under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be David Hudson, Billy Dooly, Jim Cole, Mike Gartrell, Bud Harper, Ed Nagy, Bill Vines and Stephen Evans.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Darren Omartian and David Randolph.

The family will greet friends at Edwards Funeral Home on Wednesday evening from 5-7 PM.

Memorials may be made to the Oak Cliff Baptist Church Summer Youth Camp Fund 3701 Gary Fort Smith, AR 72903

To sign an online guestbook visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com