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SMSgt Kenneth W. “Catbird” Evans

Date of Death: November 10, 2019

visitation

Visitation
Amherst Chapel
1600 Amherst Street
Winchester, VA 22601
Thursday 11/14, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

service

Service
Amherst Chapel
1600 Amherst Street
Winchester, VA 22601
Friday 11/15, 11:00 am

cemetery

Cemetery
Shenandoah Memorial Park Mausoleum
1270 Front Royal Pike
Winchester, Virginia 22602
Friday 11/15

SMSgt Kenneth W. “Catbird” Evans, USAF, Ret., 82, of Frederick County, VA passed away Sunday, November 10, 2019, at Winchester Medical Center.

SMSgt Evans was born in 1937 in Corton, WV, son of the late Sylvester and Dessie Evans. He was a graduate of Clendenin High School in Clendenin, WV and a veteran of the West Virginia Air National Guard. SMSgt Evans served a total of 39 years in the military that included service in the Vietnam War as a Flight Engineer. SMSgt Evans earned the Soldier’s Medal for Heroism in 1957 and his decorations included multiple Meritorious Service Medals, Commendations Medals, Achievement Medals and the Vietnam Service Medal. He was a member of the Hiram Lodge in Winchester (32nd Degree Scottish Rite Master Mason), a member of Winchester Moose Lodge, a member of the NRA, and a member of the 167th Air National Guard Retirees Association in Martinsburg, WV.

SMSgt Evans was an avid mechanic and an expert repairman. He was very persistent and a self-taught man, even teaching himself information technology systems. SMSgt Evans enjoyed hunting, fishing and loved to fly. He was most known for being humble, genuine, and the kind of man who would give anyone the shirt off his back without hesitation.

Because of SMSgt Evans’ selfless, heroic acts and dedicated public service the West Virginia Legislature unanimously passed SR 11 calling for the West Virginia National Guard 167th Maintenance Operations Center to be named the “Evans Center for Excellence in Aircraft Maintenance”. This resolution was recorded in the official 2018 record of the West Virginia Legislature.

He married Rosita Marie Craft on December 29, 1957 in Winchester, VA.

Surviving with his wife of 61 years are sons, CMSgt Kenneth W. Evans, II of Beaverdam, VA and Lt Col Kerry W. Evans (Michele) of Bellbrook, OH; grandchildren, Aidan C. Evans and Iain C. Evans, both of Bellbrook, OH; and brothers, Robert S. Evans (Janice) of Clendenin, WV and David A. Evans (Celeste) of Cameron, WV.
SMSgt Evans was preceded in death by sisters, Margaret E. Cassidy and Mildred M. Smith; and brothers, Stanley R. Evans, Lawrence Evans, and Henley R. Evans.

A visitation will be from 6 pm to 8 pm on Thursday at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel.

A funeral service will be conducted at 11 am on Friday at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel with Pastor Timothy G. Rupp officiating. Entombment with military honors will be in Shenandoah Memorial Park Mausoleum.

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Jennifer Watt
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Susan Keckley Craig Light a candle
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Visitation
Amherst Chapel
1600 Amherst Street
Winchester, VA 22601
Map
Thursday 11/14, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Service
Amherst Chapel
1600 Amherst Street
Winchester, VA 22601
Map
Friday 11/15, 11:00 am
Cemetery
Shenandoah Memorial Park Mausoleum
1270 Front Royal Pike
Winchester, Virginia 22602
Map
Friday 11/15

SMSgt Kenneth W. “Catbird” Evans, USAF, Ret., 82, of Frederick County, VA passed away Sunday, November 10, 2019, at Winchester Medical Center. SMSgt Evans was born in 1937 in Corton, WV, son of the late Sylvester and Dessie Evans. He was a graduate of Clendenin High School in Clendenin, WV and a veteran of theContinue Reading

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Jennifer Watt left a message on July 17, 2020:
I'm so sorry to hear of Mr. Evans' passing. He was always very kind to me. I hadn't seen him in a long time, not since right after his stroke in 2010. What a life to be proud of!! My sincerest condolences. Hoping your family is doing well. No doubt that he is terribly missed.
Pamela Artrp left a message on November 15, 2019:
I'm so sorry to hear of Kens passing. He was a true friend to my dad, Cecil who passed in April. When they last saw each other, they shared many fond memories of their time together in the West Virginia Air National Guard. I'm so sorry for your loss. Pamela Artrip
Mark & Kathy Reid left a message on November 15, 2019:
In the short time we met and got to know Ken, we saw him as a gracious man full of life. He was fun to be around and always ready to share a story. He will be missed, but his memory lives on, not only through an amazing legacy, but through his amazing family to carry his great story forward.
Ronnie Good left a message on November 14, 2019:
Kenney was a great person, I joined the 167th ANG in 1971, he was one of my supervisors, he really went all out to train you, best trainer I had at that time, Condolences to the family, God Bless.
Doug left a message on November 13, 2019:
"The Original" was a true patriot and the epitome of our Air Force SNCO corps. For me, he always perfectly defined the Senior NCO. I could always see it in his nature, it was who he was, what he was...a subject matter expert in his area of expertise...could fix anything, loved tinkering on things, trusted advisor, and all around good man. He was a true patriot with a heart of gold. All the best to the Evan's family.
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Doug left a message on November 13, 2019:
"The Original" was a true patriot and the epitome of our Air Force SNCO corps. For me, he always perfectly defined the Senior NCO. I could always see it in his nature, it was who he was, what he was...a subject matter expert in his area of expertise...could fix anything, loved tinkering on things, trusted advisor, and all around good man. He was a true patriot with a heart of gold. All the best to the Evan's family.
Chuck & Kathy Counsellor left a message on November 13, 2019:
We are so sorry to hear of Kens passing. He was a great man , enjoyed our visits with your family. He was a wonderful with our Daughter and grandsons. He will be greatly missed.
Chuck & Kathy Counsellor left a message on November 13, 2019:
We are so sorry to hear of Kens passing. He was a great man , enjoyed our visits with your family. He was a wonderful with our Daughter and grandsons. He will be greatly missed.
Jim Brennan left a message on November 13, 2019:
Ken, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers! - Jim, Sarah, Katie, and Addy
Susan Keckley Craig left a message on November 13, 2019:
Prayers for healing during this time of loss. He truly was a wonderful person and good neighbor To all on Blossom Drive.
Omps Funeral Home left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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