James Larry "Cowboy" Evans

James Larry “Cowboy” Evans, 74, of Blue Springs, Missouri passed away September 3, 2013 at home. Memorial visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Friday, September 13, at Mt. Moriah & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, in lieu of flowers.

Larry was born January 9, 1939 in Lamar, Missouri, son of James Willie and Faye (Harley) Evans. He retired from Ford Claycomo Plant in 2009 after 18 years as a pipefitter. He was known as “Cowboy” because he wore cowboy hats, shirts and boots every day. He was always very helpful to his fellow workers and always ready for a joke.

Just before retirement he bought a small farm in Cameron, Missouri and started a horse farm, breeding the Hancock line of quarter horses. Larry had 17 horses that he loved. In the last two years he had sold all of the stock except for his stallion that he called, “Pal.”

During his life he worked in many parts of the country as a pipefitter welder. He started his welding training in his father’s welding shop in Lamar, Missouri.

Larry was a hull tech in the Navy for 4 active years on the U.S.S. Bennington and then spent 36 plus years in the Navy Reserve retiring as Chief Petty Officer.

He was assigned to the Sub Base Pearl Unit out of Kansas City, Missouri. His two weeks active duty each year was in Hawaii. His statement on getting to go over to Hawaii for two weeks was “It’s a dirty job but somebody has to do it.”

Larry will be missed and is survived by his wife Sharon of 30 years; five children Sheri of Raymore, Missouri, Tracy of Overland Park, Kansas, Angie of Kennewick, Washington, Shelly of Blue Springs, Missouri and Aaron of Kennewick, Washington; three sisters Marlene of Kennewick, Washington, Darlene of Lamar, Missouri, and Charlene of Phoenix, Arizona and one brother Morris of Independence, Missouri; fifteen grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and good friends. Condolences may be offered at www.mtmoriah-freeman.com.