rev. alton t. evans
1912-1976
Life Story
Birth & Family Background
Rev. Alton T. Evans was born January 25, 1912, in Newton County, Mississippi, to Coyt Edward Evans (1889–1968) andLeila Ann Beale Evans (1893–?). He was raised in Newton County and spent his early years working within the local agricultural economy.
Marriage & Family
Alton Evans was first married to Estelle Evans; a divorce was granted on June 13, 1929. He later married Ann Evans.
According to his obituary, survivors include his wife, Ann Evans of Newton; daughters Mildred Coleman of Chicago and Patricia Thames of Newton; sons David Thames of Newton and Russell Taylor of Harvey, Illinois; his mother, Leila Evans of Union; two sisters, Lillie B. Hickman of Union and Mary Naylor of Portland, Oregon; along with extended family members.
Military Service
Rev. Evans was a veteran of World War II. He enlisted on November 26, 1945, and was honorably discharged on February 28, 1947.
Ministry & Church Leadership
Following his return from military service, Alton Evans entered the ministry. At the time of his illness, he was serving Lynch Chapel in Forest, Mississippi. He also pastored multiple congregations concurrently, including St. Matthew United Methodist Church in Bailey, Hopewell United Methodist Church in Kemper County, and Center Ridge United Methodist Church in Collinsville.
In addition to his pastoral duties, Rev. Evans was active in civic and veterans’ affairs. A newspaper clipping documents his service as chaplain for the Milton Nichols Post 236 of the American Legion during the 1970–1971 term.
Civic & Community Involvement
Beyond church leadership, Alton Evans participated in county civic responsibilities. Records show that he served as a juror in Newton County, reflecting his role as a trusted and engaged community member.
Death & Burial
Rev. Alton T. Evans died on August 18, 1976, at the Veterans Hospital in Jackson, Mississippi. Funeral services were held at St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Newton County, with burial in the church cemetery. Arrangements were handled by W. F. Mapp Funeral Home.
Resting Place
Saint John Missionary Baptist Church Graveyard
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1920 Federal Census
- 1930 Federal Census
- U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current
- The Newton Record, Thu, Jan 23, 1930 ·Page 3
- U.S., Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File, 1850-2010
- U.S., Headstone Applications for Military Veterans, 1861-1985
- The Newton Record, Rev. Alton T. Evans Obituary, Wed, Aug 25, 1976 ·Page 6
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