John Horton Evans
November 5, 1927 - November 11, 2020
John Horton Evans died at his Vero Beach home with his family at his side on Wednesday, November 11, six days after his 93rd birthday. A decorated veteran of the Korean War, Evans died on Veterans Day.
Beloved by his family and many friends, John - known as Jack (as well as Jakie) was born in Madison, New Jersey on November 5, 1927, to W. Kelton Evans and Edith Horton Evans. He graduated from Madison High School, attended Cornwell University, and was Kappa Sigma at Bucknell University, where he graduated in 1950.
Jack served in Korea with the US Army 695th Armored Field Artillery and was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service in the combat zone. His unit insignia bore the motto À OUTRANCE, meaning "to the utmost", which characterized Jack's service and his approach to life. After Korea, he returned to New Jersey and served four years as a Captain in the National Guard, based in Morristown.
In Madison, Jack owned and operated the Evans Realty Company, which focused on commercial real estate and development. In the 1970s he proudly served as president of the Morriss County Board of Realtors.
Jack also served on the boards of The Pingry School and Drew University, as well as being the longest-serving trustee of the Willits Foundation, a charity established by his father-in-law in 1966. Jack served as president and chairman of the foundation, which remains active with charitable projects in New Jersey and Florida.
Jack married Barbara Willits on September 11, 1954, and they settled in Madison and raised a family. Their first child – son Jeffrey – arrived in 1955, on Jack's 28th birthday. Two daughters followed – Laura in 1957, and Caroline in 1960. The family moved to New Vernon, and spent summers in Mantoloking, on the Jersey Shore, before Jack and Barbara retired to Vero Beach.
He was an avid golfer and good at it, playing a consistent and well-rounded game, scoring better than his age well into his 80s. He loved golfing with his daughters and his grandson, and his 8-Iron was responsible for holes-in-one across three generations. He was a member of the Madison Golf Club, Morris Country Golf Club, Manasquan Golf Club, Bay Head Yacht Club, Orchid Island Club, Baker's Bay Golf & Ocean Club in the Bahamas, Silo Ridge Field Club in Amenia, New York, Quail Valley Club and the John's Island Club.
Music was a joy for Jack. He played piano and standup bass and loved Big Band and classical music. His home was often filled with the sounds of Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, and Count Basie. He was also blessed with an insatiable curiosity and an ever-present sense of humor, qualities he shared with his only sibling, the late Betty Franklin.
After 60 years together, Jack's wife Barbara died in 2014. He is survived by his children, Jeffrey Harris Evans of Truckee, California, Laura Willits Evans of Palm Beach, Florida, and Caroline Evans Jones of Vero Beach, Florida, as well as by grandchildren Christopher, Megan, Michael and Diana, and great-granddaughter Ellie. He is also survived by his companion, Manette (Molly) Goodman of Vero Beach.
The family is planning a private service at John's Island. Those wishing to send a message or share a story are invited to visit Jack's memorial page at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the Presbyterian Church of Basking Ridge, New Jersey, or to the First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach Music Fund, 520 Royal Palm Boulevard, Vero Beach FL 32960.
Source: Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
November 5, 1927 - November 11, 2020
John Horton Evans died at his Vero Beach home with his family at his side on Wednesday, November 11, six days after his 93rd birthday. A decorated veteran of the Korean War, Evans died on Veterans Day.
Beloved by his family and many friends, John - known as Jack (as well as Jakie) was born in Madison, New Jersey on November 5, 1927, to W. Kelton Evans and Edith Horton Evans. He graduated from Madison High School, attended Cornwell University, and was Kappa Sigma at Bucknell University, where he graduated in 1950.
Jack served in Korea with the US Army 695th Armored Field Artillery and was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service in the combat zone. His unit insignia bore the motto À OUTRANCE, meaning "to the utmost", which characterized Jack's service and his approach to life. After Korea, he returned to New Jersey and served four years as a Captain in the National Guard, based in Morristown.
In Madison, Jack owned and operated the Evans Realty Company, which focused on commercial real estate and development. In the 1970s he proudly served as president of the Morriss County Board of Realtors.
Jack also served on the boards of The Pingry School and Drew University, as well as being the longest-serving trustee of the Willits Foundation, a charity established by his father-in-law in 1966. Jack served as president and chairman of the foundation, which remains active with charitable projects in New Jersey and Florida.
Jack married Barbara Willits on September 11, 1954, and they settled in Madison and raised a family. Their first child – son Jeffrey – arrived in 1955, on Jack's 28th birthday. Two daughters followed – Laura in 1957, and Caroline in 1960. The family moved to New Vernon, and spent summers in Mantoloking, on the Jersey Shore, before Jack and Barbara retired to Vero Beach.
He was an avid golfer and good at it, playing a consistent and well-rounded game, scoring better than his age well into his 80s. He loved golfing with his daughters and his grandson, and his 8-Iron was responsible for holes-in-one across three generations. He was a member of the Madison Golf Club, Morris Country Golf Club, Manasquan Golf Club, Bay Head Yacht Club, Orchid Island Club, Baker's Bay Golf & Ocean Club in the Bahamas, Silo Ridge Field Club in Amenia, New York, Quail Valley Club and the John's Island Club.
Music was a joy for Jack. He played piano and standup bass and loved Big Band and classical music. His home was often filled with the sounds of Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, and Count Basie. He was also blessed with an insatiable curiosity and an ever-present sense of humor, qualities he shared with his only sibling, the late Betty Franklin.
After 60 years together, Jack's wife Barbara died in 2014. He is survived by his children, Jeffrey Harris Evans of Truckee, California, Laura Willits Evans of Palm Beach, Florida, and Caroline Evans Jones of Vero Beach, Florida, as well as by grandchildren Christopher, Megan, Michael and Diana, and great-granddaughter Ellie. He is also survived by his companion, Manette (Molly) Goodman of Vero Beach.
The family is planning a private service at John's Island. Those wishing to send a message or share a story are invited to visit Jack's memorial page at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the Presbyterian Church of Basking Ridge, New Jersey, or to the First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach Music Fund, 520 Royal Palm Boulevard, Vero Beach FL 32960.
Source: Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
John Horton Evans
November 5, 1927 - November 11, 2020
John Horton Evans died at his Vero Beach home with his family at his side on Wednesday, November 11, six days after his 93rd birthday. A decorated veteran of the Korean War, Evans died on Veterans Day.
Beloved by his family and many friends, John - known as Jack (as well as Jakie) was born in Madison, New Jersey on November 5, 1927, to W. Kelton Evans and Edith Horton Evans. He graduated from Madison High School, attended Cornwell University, and was Kappa Sigma at Bucknell University, where he graduated in 1950.
Jack served in Korea with the US Army 695th Armored Field Artillery and was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service in the combat zone. His unit insignia bore the motto À OUTRANCE, meaning "to the utmost", which characterized Jack's service and his approach to life. After Korea, he returned to New Jersey and served four years as a Captain in the National Guard, based in Morristown.
In Madison, Jack owned and operated the Evans Realty Company, which focused on commercial real estate and development. In the 1970s he proudly served as president of the Morriss County Board of Realtors.
Jack also served on the boards of The Pingry School and Drew University, as well as being the longest-serving trustee of the Willits Foundation, a charity established by his father-in-law in 1966. Jack served as president and chairman of the foundation, which remains active with charitable projects in New Jersey and Florida.
Jack married Barbara Willits on September 11, 1954, and they settled in Madison and raised a family. Their first child – son Jeffrey – arrived in 1955, on Jack's 28th birthday. Two daughters followed – Laura in 1957, and Caroline in 1960. The family moved to New Vernon, and spent summers in Mantoloking, on the Jersey Shore, before Jack and Barbara retired to Vero Beach.
He was an avid golfer and good at it, playing a consistent and well-rounded game, scoring better than his age well into his 80s. He loved golfing with his daughters and his grandson, and his 8-Iron was responsible for holes-in-one across three generations. He was a member of the Madison Golf Club, Morris Country Golf Club, Manasquan Golf Club, Bay Head Yacht Club, Orchid Island Club, Baker's Bay Golf & Ocean Club in the Bahamas, Silo Ridge Field Club in Amenia, New York, Quail Valley Club and the John's Island Club.
Music was a joy for Jack. He played piano and standup bass and loved Big Band and classical music. His home was often filled with the sounds of Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, and Count Basie. He was also blessed with an insatiable curiosity and an ever-present sense of humor, qualities he shared with his only sibling, the late Betty Franklin.
After 60 years together, Jack's wife Barbara died in 2014. He is survived by his children, Jeffrey Harris Evans of Truckee, California, Laura Willits Evans of Palm Beach, Florida, and Caroline Evans Jones of Vero Beach, Florida, as well as by grandchildren Christopher, Megan, Michael and Diana, and great-granddaughter Ellie. He is also survived by his companion, Manette (Molly) Goodman of Vero Beach.
The family is planning a private service at John's Island. Those wishing to send a message or share a story are invited to visit Jack's memorial page at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the Presbyterian Church of Basking Ridge, New Jersey, or to the First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach Music Fund, 520 Royal Palm Boulevard, Vero Beach FL 32960.
Source: Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
November 5, 1927 - November 11, 2020
John Horton Evans died at his Vero Beach home with his family at his side on Wednesday, November 11, six days after his 93rd birthday. A decorated veteran of the Korean War, Evans died on Veterans Day.
Beloved by his family and many friends, John - known as Jack (as well as Jakie) was born in Madison, New Jersey on November 5, 1927, to W. Kelton Evans and Edith Horton Evans. He graduated from Madison High School, attended Cornwell University, and was Kappa Sigma at Bucknell University, where he graduated in 1950.
Jack served in Korea with the US Army 695th Armored Field Artillery and was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service in the combat zone. His unit insignia bore the motto À OUTRANCE, meaning "to the utmost", which characterized Jack's service and his approach to life. After Korea, he returned to New Jersey and served four years as a Captain in the National Guard, based in Morristown.
In Madison, Jack owned and operated the Evans Realty Company, which focused on commercial real estate and development. In the 1970s he proudly served as president of the Morriss County Board of Realtors.
Jack also served on the boards of The Pingry School and Drew University, as well as being the longest-serving trustee of the Willits Foundation, a charity established by his father-in-law in 1966. Jack served as president and chairman of the foundation, which remains active with charitable projects in New Jersey and Florida.
Jack married Barbara Willits on September 11, 1954, and they settled in Madison and raised a family. Their first child – son Jeffrey – arrived in 1955, on Jack's 28th birthday. Two daughters followed – Laura in 1957, and Caroline in 1960. The family moved to New Vernon, and spent summers in Mantoloking, on the Jersey Shore, before Jack and Barbara retired to Vero Beach.
He was an avid golfer and good at it, playing a consistent and well-rounded game, scoring better than his age well into his 80s. He loved golfing with his daughters and his grandson, and his 8-Iron was responsible for holes-in-one across three generations. He was a member of the Madison Golf Club, Morris Country Golf Club, Manasquan Golf Club, Bay Head Yacht Club, Orchid Island Club, Baker's Bay Golf & Ocean Club in the Bahamas, Silo Ridge Field Club in Amenia, New York, Quail Valley Club and the John's Island Club.
Music was a joy for Jack. He played piano and standup bass and loved Big Band and classical music. His home was often filled with the sounds of Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, and Count Basie. He was also blessed with an insatiable curiosity and an ever-present sense of humor, qualities he shared with his only sibling, the late Betty Franklin.
After 60 years together, Jack's wife Barbara died in 2014. He is survived by his children, Jeffrey Harris Evans of Truckee, California, Laura Willits Evans of Palm Beach, Florida, and Caroline Evans Jones of Vero Beach, Florida, as well as by grandchildren Christopher, Megan, Michael and Diana, and great-granddaughter Ellie. He is also survived by his companion, Manette (Molly) Goodman of Vero Beach.
The family is planning a private service at John's Island. Those wishing to send a message or share a story are invited to visit Jack's memorial page at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the Presbyterian Church of Basking Ridge, New Jersey, or to the First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach Music Fund, 520 Royal Palm Boulevard, Vero Beach FL 32960.
Source: Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Explore more
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
