Ernest S. Evans, 81, Carthage, Mo., passed away Saturday, May 3, 2008, in St. John’s Regional Health Center, Springfield, Mo.

Ernest was born Dec. 1, 1926, in Carthage, Mo., the son of Ernest S. Evans Sr. and Sarah Hardean (Hunton) Evans.

Ernest was a graduate of Commerce, Okla., High School, Class of 1947, attended Joplin Junior College, Joplin, Mo., and graduated from Pittsburg State Teachers College, Pittsburg, Kan. He was a retired educator and administrator serving 17 years in the Joplin R-8 School District and 20 combined years in Avilla, Pleasant Valley School, Brooklyn Heights and other rural schools.

He married Shirley Hoofnagle on June 3, 1951, in Carthage. She survives. He was a U.S. Navy veteran serving with the 7th Fleet during WWII and served as past Post Commander for the Edwin Wiggins, Post 9, Carthage.  Ernest was an active member of the Carthage Church of Christ. Ernest was a part of Park Cemetery for over 65 years, involved with the Evans family in digging graves, cemetery management and maintenance.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley, of the home; two sons, Steven Evans, Tulsa, Okla., and James Evans, Carthage; one sister, Ruth Johnston, Goodman, Mo.; two brothers, Bill Evans and wife, Wilma, Carthage, Bob Evans and wife, Joan, Village of Airport Drive.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, one half- sister, two brothers and one half-brother.

Visitation will be held from 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, May 6 at Knell Mortuary, Carthage.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 7 at the Carthage Church of Christ, 3122 S. Grand Ave. Burial will be in Park Cemetery, Carthage. 

At his request, Ernest will be taken to his place of burial in the horse-drawn hearse of Knell Mortuary.

Memorial gifts are suggested to the Carthage Church of Christ or the Carthage Public Library. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Knell Mortuary, Carthage, Mo.