Presley Craig Evans

Presley Craig Evans, age 73, of Rich Hill, Missouri passed away December 15, 2023, in his home surrounded by family and loved ones, just as he wished to do. Presley was born June 4, 1950, in Yakima Washington.

Presley attended high school where he graduated with All-City and All-State running back honors at Topeka High School. He then attended welding school and became part of the Local 83 Boilermakers Union working as a boilermaker for 35 years. He met the love of his life, Clyda Jean, in 1976 in Butler, Missouri; when he tricked her into cleaning his apartment so he could have her near him. Little did she know, she would be cleaning their home for the next 47 years. They were married, one year after meeting, on June 11, 1977, in Metz, Missouri at her parents’ home.

Jean and Presley were excited to continue to build their family; Jean, already having two beautiful boys, Larry Gene Wilson and Lyle Ray Wilson. Jean and Presley then had their first daughter, Angela Irene and then, their last child Carolee Loraine. Presley was the definition of a family man and loved the continued growth of his family over the years with 4 children, 9 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren whom he loved dearly. Presley spent much of his time attending sporting events, birthdays, hunting, and fishing. Presley especially loved watching his kids’ sporting events, doing anything he could to never miss a game. His daughters remember him coming into the gymnasium, dirty from work, and hearing him hollering and cheering as soon as he hit the door. His sons and grandsons remember fishing and hunting excursions, and all the grandchildren remember movie dates with Grandpa. When not spending time with his kids and grandkids, he and “Momma” Jean loved taking drives or sitting at the lake having lunch together or watching their favorite shows “The Price is Right” and “Doctor Poe”. If you knew Presley, you knew he was a talker and just a jolly human to be around. He loved to go out, visiting and talking with anyone who would listen. Laughing and making silly jokes even with complete strangers was a common occurrence for him. Presley always had a way of making anyone and everyone feel welcome.

Presley is preceded in death by his parents, Ruby Lorrain Harris, and Presley Earl Evans; stepmother Sophie Carolee Evans; two brothers, Rick Evans and Bob Evans; and one grandson, Lee Wilson.

He is survived by his beloved wife “Momma” Clyda Jean Evans; children, Larry Gene Wilson and Vena, Lyle and Francis Wilson, Angie and Jared Bolser, and Carolee Evans; grandchildren, Lance Wilson, Landon Wilson, Levi (Sara) Wilson, Casaundra (Ted) Gloodt, Rush (Maria) Wilson, Sabin Bolser, Sage Bolser, and Salym Bolser; and lifelong friends, Becky and Steve Loftin; and numerous nieces, nephews, and in-laws

Funeral service will be 2 pm Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at the Heuser Funeral Home.  Burial will be in the Green Lawn Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 pm Monday December 18 at the Heuser Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions are suggested to the COPD Foundation.  Online condolences can be left www.heuserfunerals.com.