James Taylor "Odie" Evans

Auburn:

With great sadness, we share the loss of our cherished "wingman" Papa T., Taylor “Odie” Evans who passed away peacefully at home at 10:41pm on Thursday, January 16, 2025, surrounded by love in his final moments. He was born on January 18, 1960, in Springfield, the son of the late James and Martha June (Davis) Evans. He married the former Phyllis Maynerich on September 1, 2012, in Auburn and she survives. Other survivors include their children: Melissa Thomas, Mande (Brandon) Clutts, Karrie (Nathan) Clark, Adam (Sara) Maynerich, his grandchildren: Ethan Thomas, Ella Thomas, Beckett Clutts, Emrie Thomas, Harken Clutts, Miles Clark, Ramsey Clark, Kalder Clutts, Nolan Maynerich, Blair Maynerich, his mother in law Roberta Lovely, five sisters and four brothers in law: Gail (Fred) Gass, Judith (Jim) Gass, Beth Ford, Rebecca (Terry) June, Sarah (Bob) Etter, two brothers and a sister in law: Timothy (Patrice) Evans, Thomas Evans, many nieces, nephews, his faithful Furever pups: Tilly and Lucy, and other extended family and friends.

He cherished his wife and best friend Phyllis, his Harley, backyard pool oasis and his pups Tilly and Lucy. He was a talented mason, working for many years alongside his father and brothers at Evans Masonry. We also express our heartfelt gratitude for the compassion of his last employer, Sloan Implement in Virden. He was a member of the Thayer United Methodist Church and was profoundly loved by all who knew him. He returned that love to his crew of children and grandchildren, many siblings, nieces, nephews, and his friends. We are so grateful he is at peace.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandparents: James and Anna Mae Evans, Elmer and Olive Davis, two brothers: Mark Evans, Matthew Evans, a sister in law: Susan Evans, a brother in law: Robert Ford, a nephew: Luke Gass, his fathers in law: George Lovely and Willis Walker.

In celebration of his life, visitation will be from 2pm to 5pm on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at the Thayer United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be held at 10:30am on Monday, January 20, 2025, at the church. Burial will follow at Evans Cemetery on the family property south of Auburn.

Memorials are suggested to the family or to the charity of the donor's choice and will be accepted at the services.