Jim Evans

Jim Evans, 91, of Lebanon, Indiana, passed away on Sunday, March 8, 2015 at Sunrise on Old Meridian in Carmel, Indiana. He was born on December 11, 1923, in Orangeburg, South Carolina, a son of the late Carlisle and Ottie Lee (Rast) Evans. He was married to Rosemary Martin on June 29, 1947; she survives. He completed two years at Clemson College before being called up to active duty in World War II. After completing basic infantry training at Camp McCain, Mississippi, he became a member of the 94th Infantry Division as part of General Patton’s Third Army. He was awarded the bronze star and combat infantryman’s badge for his service. After WWII, he returned to Lebanon, Indiana where he had caddied as a youngster to court the love of his life, Rosemary Martin. They later married and he took over the nut vending business of his Uncle Cary Fall. He built this operation to over 400 vending machines placed throughout central Indiana and became known as the “Peanut King”. He was very proud of the fact that he provided a good life for his family and sent three kids to college “working for peanuts”. He loved people and always had a joke to tell you and later a war story. After retirement, Jim enjoyed many years of making weekly visits to older adults in the nursing homes and his dog, Jake, for which he received the 2011 Friendly Visitor – Volunteer of the Year Award from Boone County Senior Citizens. Jim was a longtime member of the Centenary United Methodist Church and a life member of the Elks, American Legion and VFW. He is survived by his wife, Rosemary Evans; two sons, Carleton and wife, Lisa, and Martin and wife, Kimberly Johnston; daughter, Christine Page and husband, Robert; four grandchildren, Elizabeth Evans (Ian) Flanagan, Noelle Page (Chad) Kirchner, Chloe Page (David) Guth, and Hunter Evans; and three great grandchildren, Owen Kirchner, Luke Kirchner, and Declan Guth. Jim was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Shelby Evans. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 12, 2015 at Centenary United Methodist Church, 910 Fordice Road, in Lebanon, Indiana, beginning at 11:00 a.m. with visitation from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Interment with military rites will follow the funeral service at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lebanon. Myers Mortuary in Lebanon is handling the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donation may be made to the Centenary United Methodist Church or your favorite charity.

Jim Evans

December 11, 1923 - March 8, 2015