Leroy Evans

Leroy Evans was born on July 17, 1932, to Alonzo Evans and Emma Waldrup in Notasulga, Alabama, and grew up in Camp Hill. A bright and driven student, he graduated early from high school and earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Alabama State College for Negroes. He was accepted into the master’s program at Columbia University but chose a different path, one that led to a remarkable life.

Leroy served honorably in the U.S. Army, deployed to Germany during the Korean War, and taught himself German out of his love for languages.

While at Alabama State, he met the love of his life, Theresa Norton. They married in New York in 1960 and built a life together in Cleveland, Ohio. They raised two children, Bernadette Evans and Carl Dexter Evans, and were blessed with daughter-in-law Stephanie Prater Evans, son-in-law Matthew Labrador, grandchildren Sydney Lynn Evans, Carly Denise Evans, Aja Evans Labrador, and Majin Ernesto Labrador, and great-grandchild Isaiah Anderson Evans. Nothing gave Leroy more joy than his grandchildren and great-grandchild.

Leroy loved his work at the U.S. Postal Service, where he served for 40 years. He also enjoyed barbecuing, cheering for the Cleveland Browns, and never missing an Alabama college football game. Yet above all, his greatest joy was his nearly 66-year marriage to Theresa — a love marked by devotion, partnership, and overflowing affection.

He is predeceased by his four siblings and is survived by his niece, Doris Spencer Ware and a host of nieces and nephews. Leroy passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on February 15, 2026, leaving a legacy of love, laughter, and inspiration.