Michael Evans

EVANS, JR. Lt. Col. Michael Joseph (USAF Ret.) February 12, 1923 – August 13, 2019 Loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather and Great, Great Grandfather Lt. Col. Michael Joseph “Mike” Evans Jr. (USAF, ret.) of Annandale, Virginia, died at age 96 on Aug. 13, 2019. He was born on Feb. 12, 1923 to Michael and Annie (Flynn) Evans in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada. He was married to Mary Theresa “Mollie” Shea for 50 years who predeceased Mike in 1996. Following his graduation from St. Bonaventure College (high school) in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Mike began his illustrious career in 1941 as a civilian employee for the Customs Department. From late 1941 to 1943, Mike was employed by the U.S. Corps of Engineers @ the U.S. District Engineer office constructing the newly established military installation of Fort Pepperrell, St. John’s, Newfoundland. From April 1943 to June 1944, Mike was employed by the U.S. Corps of Engineers, Headquarters of the Northwest Service Command in Edmonton, Alberta, responsible for the construction of the Alcan Highway from Dawson Creek, British Columbia to Fairbanks, Alaska. In June 1944, Mike enlisted in the Army Air Corps in Edmonton, Alberta; In mid to late 1944, attended basic training in Great Falls, Montana; and was assigned to his first duty stations in Nome and Fairbanks, Alaska (strategic bases of Alaskan Divisions, U.S. Army). In December 1945, Mike was assigned duty station Newfoundland Base Command and Fort Pepperrell, St. John’s, Newfoundland where he served in the Air Corps Supply Section of the Base Accountable Supply Office and worked his way to Warehouse Supervisor for Air Corps supply. In June 1947 Mike was naturalized as a United States citizen in Boston, Mass after having secured approvals from the governments of Newfoundland, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States. In July 1947, and at rank of Sergeant, he was honorably discharged from the Air Corps. During his service in the Air Corps, Mike was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Asiatic Theater Ribbon. On August 31, 1946 Mike married Mary Teresa (“Mollie”) Shea in a ceremony led by the Rev. Richard T. McGrath. In September 1947, the United States Air Force was established and Mike began his long service to the newly formed independent service. From 1947 through July 1974, Mike served at various duty stations including Ft. Pepperrell (St. John’s, Newfoundland), Lackand AFB (San Antonio, TX), Castle and March AFB’s (California), Barksdale AFB (Shreveport, LA), Harmon AFB (Stephenville, Newfoundland), The Defense Supply Agency under the 4081 Supply Squadron, Strategic Air Command at Cameron Station (Virginia) and the Pentagon (Arlington, VA) at the Office of Legislative Liaison, Office of the Secretary of the Air Force. In June 1957, he was awarded his Associates Degree in Arts from Modesto Junior College. In January 1964, Mike graduated from Armed Forces Staff College (Norfolk, VA). On September 1, 1974, Col. Evans retired from the United States Air Force patriotically serving the United States for over 30 thirty years. During his military service, Col. Evans was awarded the Legion of Merit and Joint Service Commendation Medal. From 1976 to 1985, he was employed as a civil servant by the Department of the Army (Army Material Command). In 1985, he retired from the civil service. Col. Evans and his wife Mollie raised nine kids and after traveling the continent in a stuffed-to-the-gills station wagon from duty station to duty station, they settled in Annandale, Virginia, in the mid-1960s. He doted on Mollie for years as her health slowly declined due of complications from multiple sclerosis, which took her from him in 1996. A faithful Catholic his entire life, Mike remained quite healthy and active in his later years, traveling the around the world four times on various cruise lines. He always looked forward to annual fishing trips at Indian Bay in Newfoundland, Canada. Throughout his life, Mike never met a stranger. He kept his home and garden immaculate, both sources of great pride and pleasure. He thoroughly enjoyed entertaining others, telling too many stories to count and by singing his beloved Irish folks songs, especially his favorite, “Danny Boy.” Mike was preceded in death by wife, Mollie; a daughter, Patricia; his siblings Kevin, Mary, Betty, Bernard, Eileen, Helen, Dermot, and Bernadette. He is survived by his sister, Joan Evans Power, and his brother, Frank Evans; his children Kevin, Cathy (Jay), Maureen (Jerry), Mike (Terry), Sheila (Dave), Brian, Louise and Dan; grandchildren Kevin, Courtney, Brett, Kristen, Sierra, Chris, Whitney, Darcy, Taylor, Ian, Rose, Maria, Mickey, Danny, and Ellie; great-grandchildren Corina, Kalani, Penellopi and Annabell; great-great grand daughter Hunter, as well as scores of friends and neighbors.Visitation and Funeral Mass was held on Friday, August 23, 2019 at 10:00 am at Holy Spirit Catholic Church located at 5121 Woodland Way, Annandale, Virginia 22003. Father John M. O’Donohue, Pastor celebrated the Funeral Mass. Graveside services and internment, with full military honors, will be held at 9:00 am on Wednesday, January 15, 2020 at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA, United States. Demaine Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 5308 Backlick Road, Springfield,Virginia. (703) 941-9428. In lieu of flowers please direct all donations in the name of Lt. Col. Michael J. Evans Jr. to: support.woundedwarriorproject.org OR Wounded Warrior Project P.O. Box 758517 Topeka, KS 66675-8517