Thomas Jefferson "Tom" Evans, Jr.

Thomas J. Evans, Jr. of Blue Springs, MO passed away at home on May 22, 2022 at the age of 87. He was born on September 1, 1934 in Shubuta, MS, the eldest son of Thomas J. Evans, Sr. and Dana F. Evans.

He graduated from Quitman High School in 1952 and from Mississippi State University in 1956 with a degree in Petroleum Geology. Tom served three years in the U.S. Air Force and arrived in this area in 1957, assigned to Richards-Gebaur AFB as a 2nd Lieutenant and Petroleum Officer. He worked for Botsford Ready Mix for five years before starting his own paving company. Along with partners, his career in asphalt paving, ready-mix supply and real estate ventures lasted for 23 years. The last 20 years, before his retirement in 2007, he was Vice-President of Bowen Construction Co. He served on several committees for the City of Blue Springs and a number of positions in his church (First Baptist Blue Springs); six years on the Blue Springs Board of Education as President and Board Member and 16 years on the boards of three local banks. He was very involved in youth sports and spent considerable time volunteering at an inner-city youth camp. In his later years, he enjoyed working in his yard, being the "fix it" guy for his home, his son's residence and his daughter and son-in-law's house. However, one of his greatest joys was sitting and reading to his two granddaughters when they were younger and attending their sporting events and recitals later.

As a youth he enjoyed hunting, fishing and organized sports. Later in life, he became an avid WW II history buff, visiting battlefield sites in Europe on four different occasions. Over a period of 22 years, he restored 8 WW II vehicles. This included a jeep that was on display at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library. The last vehicle he restored is permanently on display in a museum in Virginia.

His greatest accomplishment was being married to the love of his life, Sue Simpson Evans for 58 years. After his faith in God, his highest priority on earth was his love for his family. He is preceded in death by his parents, his step-father and brothers Wayne and Dale. He is survived by his wife, Sue; son, Michael Evans of Blue Springs; daughter, Dana Mitchell of Lee's Summit and her husband, Andy; granddaughters, Katie and Brooke Mitchell; brother, Bruce Miller of Innkreis, Austria.

Visitation will be held at First Baptist Blue Springs on Thursday, June 2, 2022 from 11:30am-1pm. Funeral service to follow at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Impact Ministry Program at First Baptist of Blue Springs, 4500 Little Blue Parkway Independence, MO 64057.