Jasper Douglas Evans Sr.

We joyfully celebrate the remarkable life of Jasper Evans—a man whose century-long journey has been defined by service, humility, faith, and a lifetime of dedication to his family, community, and country. Jasper entered the Kingdom of Heaven April 20, 2026.

Jasper Evans was born on April 2, 1925, at home on the family farm in Bladenboro, North Carolina. He was the second of ten children, raised in a hard-working farming family. Growing up during the Great Depression, Jasper learned the value of faith, family, and perseverance at an early age. He walked half a mile to catch the school bus and, by age 16, was trusted to drive the school bus over dirt roads until he graduated from high school.

Life on the farm was never easy. Jasper spent his childhood plowing fields behind a mule, raising chickens, pigs, and cows, milking cows before school, and working long hours harvesting tobacco and cotton. These early years instilled in him a strong work ethic and sense of responsibility that would guide him for the next century.

After high school, Jasper was drafted into service during World War II and chose to join the U.S. Navy. He trained as a Motor Machinist Mate Third Class, SV-6 USNR, completing gunnery training in Bainbridge, Maryland, and rigorous amphibious training in Fort Pierce, Florida—including swimming a half mile to shore fully clothed and climbing nets to reboard the ship in open water.

Jasper was assigned to the USS Hayter, an Assault Personnel Destroyer (APD), where he worked in the engine room and served aboard an LCVP landing craft, transporting soldiers and equipment during amphibious operations. As his ship headed toward Japan, news of the atomic bombings at Hiroshima and Nagasaki altered their course, and Jasper and his crew returned to the U.S. He was honorably discharged in 1946 to return home and help his family on the farm.

Following his service, Jasper married Mary Lou Williams in 1949 and pursued higher education at NC State University, earning a degree in mechanical engineering. He worked in steel fabrication and welding, designing and building large-scale industrial equipment. Jasper and Mary Lou raised six children—Kathy, Jean, Doug, Melanie, Marcia, and Jon—instilling in them the same values of faith, service, and hard work that shaped his own life.

After the tragic loss of Mary Lou in 1967, Jasper continued to lead his family with strength and faith. He later married Jean McNeill, and together they welcomed their daughter, Stephanie. After Jean’s passing, Jasper married Sue Faye Sudderth, and they shared many happy years together.

In addition to his professional career, Jasper ran a lawn care and handyman business for many years, employing his children during the summers and teaching them the importance of hard work and community service.

In the 1980s, Jasper began his second chapter of service—disaster relief and mission work. Through the North Carolina Baptist Men’s Association, he traveled across the country and around the world, volunteering to rebuild churches, schools, homes, and orphanages. From Africa to Eastern Europe to Hawaii, Jasper’s hands and heart were always at work for others. Whether digging footings for a church, leading construction teams, or cooking meals for volunteers, Jasper served selflessly and joyfully, reflecting God’s love in all he did.

Even into his 80s and 90s, Jasper continued his mission work, believing firmly that no one is ever too old to make a difference. He once said at a church gathering, “You’re never too old to help others. It just makes you feel good to do God’s work.”

Today, Jasper’s incredible legacy is seen in the many churches and communities he helped build, but most importantly, in the family he has lovingly raised and the countless lives he has touched. He is the proud father of seven children, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. He remains a lifelong member of the church he joined in 1950 and has faithfully served for decades.

As we honor his life, we celebrate not only the years but the man who has devoted himself to faith, family, service, and love—a life that continues to inspire everyone who knows him.

Family will receive friends at Pritchard Memorial Baptist Church, S Caldwell St, Charlotte, NC 28203, on April 25, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. Celebration of life will immediately follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jasper's honor to to Pritchard Church, Baptist on a Mission, Veterans Association, or Iredell Hospice and Palliative Care