Gordon Mitchell Evans, 91, of Houston, Texas went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Aug. 7, 2020. He was born in Chicago on July 5, 1929, to Haakon Scott Evans and Margaret (Eydahl) Evans.

After spending his formative years in Peoria, Ill., the family of nine moved to Vicksburg.

Vicksburg was very good to Gordon as it’s where he met and married his wife of almost 70 years. Gordon and Joyce (McMillan) Evans were married in her family home on Feb. 16, 1951. By this time, he had also developed a lifelong love for music, cars and airplanes. He frequently announced what kind of airplane was passing overhead just by the sound of the engine.

Gordon and Joyce moved to Memphis, Tenn. shortly after marrying. Both of them attended classes at Mid-South Bible College and Gordon worked as a part-time music leader for two local churches. Memphis is where their first two sons were born. Gordon eventually went to work for International Harvester in Memphis; it was the beginning of a long career with IH.

After moving back to Chicago, he and Joyce had another son and they settled in West Chicago, Ill. for about 36 years. They attended West Chicago Bible Church and were very involved there. Gordon’s love of music showed in his involvement in the choir and frequent solos and performances as part of the men’s quartet.

After retiring from IH, he and Joyce went on several mission trips, including one to the United Arab Emirates when he helped set up the computer system in a mission hospital. After returning from the UAE, Gordon worked for several years as an associate pastor at West Chicago Bible Church.

In 1995, he and Joyce retired back to Joyce’s family home in Vicksburg. They joined Immanuel Baptist Church and were involved in the choir and “Keenager” group there, among other things. They made their way to Houston, Texas in 2013.

Gordon is survived by his wife, Joyce, (88); one brother, Paul, who resides in St. Louis; and a sister, Lyla (McLeod), who lives in the Toronto area. In addition to his sons, Gordon Jr. (Mike), wife Denise, of Tucson, Ariz., Gilbert (Gil), wife Gail, of Camdenton, Mo. and Oscar (Ozzie), wife Kristin, of Houston; he also leaves behind nine grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

Gordon will be sorely missed by many but we rejoice in knowing he is safely in the arms of his Savior and reunited with family and friends.

Services will be held at Forest Park Westheimer in Houston, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to: Buckner Parkway Place, 1321 Park Bayou Drive, Houston, Texas 77077, who lovingly cared for Gordon. Please note Senior Assistance Fund with your donation-this fund allows loved ones to be cared for regardless of ability to pay.

The funeral and burial will be available to watch live beginning Saturday, Aug. 29, 2020, at 10 a.m. on the Forest Park Westheimer Facebook page. You do not need a Facebook account to access the livestream. Simply google Forest Park Westheimer Facebook, then open to full-screen view to watch. Sound may not be clear during the burial outside.