Kenneth Evans

Kenneth (Kenny) Wayne Evans, 83, of Jefferson City, MO, passed away on Saturday, August 30th in Columbia, MO. He was born in Fulton, MO on May 19, 1942, the only child of John Thomas (J.T.) Evans and Helen Frances (Bonard) McPherson.

Kenny graduated in 1960 from Fulton High School, where he was most involved in the Art Club. He won many awards as a talented artist. After graduation he reported for duty with the U.S. Navy. From 1960 to 1964 he served at the command on flag duty in the ComMinLant Atlantic fleet; as a captain’s yeoman aboard the USS Alcor AK259; and again on flag duty in the Comservlant Atlantic fleet. He was stationed in Charleston, SC and later in Norfolk, VA. In 1961, he was part of the Cuban missile blockade. Other logged destinations were in the Caribbean, and Holy Loch, Scotland, which he cited as his favorite.

Following completion of service in the Navy, Kenny returned to Missouri and worked for the state as an income tax auditor in the Department of Revenue. He then lived briefly in Kansas City, MO working for Western Weighing Inspection at Union Station. After declining a position with Hallmark card company, he returned to his job with the state in Jefferson City where he worked for 36 years, until his retirement in 2000, as a compliance auditor in the Office of Administration, Division of Accounting.

Throughout his life, Kenny was a gifted artist, a draftsman, a runner, a competitive race walker, a cyclist, and even an extra in a television movie. He took drum lessons, taught himself to play guitar, and played harmonica by ear. He was also an avid movie buff and a consummate consumer of knowledge. Above all, he was a devoted father who loved and supported his daughters immensely. This immeasurable love was equally returned. Kenny was known for his handsomeness, his smile, his kindness, his gentle nature, and humorous quips.

Kenny is survived by his two daughters, Shelly Evans and Kimberly Evans (Mark Flakne), both of Columbia, MO and a special cousin who was like a sister, Sandra Tharp Fritz, and her husband, Ron Fritz, a lifelong friend, of Fulton. His memory will be cherished by many other family members and friends.

A graveside service with full Military Honors will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday September 27, 2025, at Callaway Memorial Gardens in Fulton, Missouri.

Tribute donations may be made in Kenny’s name to the Parkinson’s Foundation https://www.parkinson.org/ or to Missouri Department of Conservation’s habitat restoration and conservation improvements https://mdc.mo.gov/contact-engage/donate.

Please share memories of Kenny and condolences to the family in the online guestbook at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes/missouri/columbia.