Claude “Leroy” Evans

Claude “Leroy” Evans

Leroy Evans passed away peacefully in his home in Oronogo, Missouri on Tuesday June 17th surrounded by family. Leroy was born on November 27, 1940, in Waveland, Arkansas the son of Claude and Lela (McBrien) Evans. As a young man, Leroy worked with his father as an explosives handler who dug tunnels and built dams across the United States. They played a key role in creating the BART Transbay Tube in the San Francisco Bay.

He eventually settled in Joplin, Missouri, where he was an owner, operator, and partner in the Building Erectors Company. In 1982, he started his own business, C&L Engine Rebuilders, located on North Rangeline Road in Joplin. Leroy met Jackie Anderson in 1980 and they were married on June 29, 1985. They later moved to Stotts City, Mo and maintained a 120-acre farm. This month, they would have celebrated 45 years together as a couple.

After retirement, they moved to Oronogo, Missouri. Together, they have spent the last 18 years building their dream home, the “Evans’ Cabin,” doing the majority of the work themselves. They loved to host family and friends at the Evans’ Cabin, and Leroy could always be found in the barn working on a different project, including restoring a classic car/truck or working on his tractor. Wearing his favorite flannel shirts, he could be seen outdoors working on his property until the last months of his life. He was a lifelong member of the Cherokee Nation and enjoyed learning about his native American heritage. He was an active member of New Providence Baptist Church in Oronogo.

Leroy was preceded in death by his father, Claude E. Evans, his mother, Lela Evans, and his daughter, Jeannie Marie Evans. He is survived by his wife, Jackie Evans, and four children: Sherri Gross of California, Larry W. Evans of Florida, Tracy Sorensen of Joplin, Missouri, and Gary Evans of Nevada, Missouri. He is also survived by his sister Dorothy Matchell of Joplin and his three brothers, Roscoe Evans of Joplin, Arnold Evans of Joplin, and Lonnie Evans of Neosho. Leroy has 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Arrangements under the direction of Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery. Joplin, MO.