Johnnie Daniel “Dan” Evans, Jr. passed away on Jun 11, 2023 after a period of declining health. He was born April 13, 1934, In Albuquerque, New Mexico to parents Johnnie Daniel and Madelyn Ione Daniels Evans. The family moved to Tennant, California, where his father was a railroad engineer for Long Bell Lumber Company. His brother, Donald Ray, and he came to Burkeville, Texas, to attend school while living with their maternal grandmother. Here began his lifelong interest and love of horses as he chopped wood for a local resident and purchased his first horse, Billy Boy. He enjoyed swimming Cow Creek and camping trips with family and friends.
In high school, he met and later married Patricia Mahfouz while she was attending University of Texas in Austin. They moved back to southeast Texas, where he went to work for Gulf Oil Corporation and later for DuPont Beaumont Works until his retirement.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother. He is survived by his children; Cathy Diane of Nederland, Texas, and Mark Jeffrey and his wife Justina of Santa Barbara California; two grandchildren, Vanessa of San Francisco Bay Area, and James of Hightstown New Jersey; and one great granddaughter, Annaliese, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He had many interests - in particular - his love of horses. He was a professional reining horse trainer, as well as a National Reining Horse Association sanctioned judge. He also trained for polo and other performance events. He loved dogs and other animals and had a special knack for training and communicating with them. He had an endless curiosity and studied deeply. He loved studying the Bible, including learning Greek which allowed him to study from the original texts. Some of his other interests were playing guitar, studying history, ancient navigation, and watching classic westerns. He was a 63 year member of Nederland Masonic Lodge #1368 as well as a 32nd degree Mason. He learned carpentry as a young man and built extensively throughout his life. He had a quick wit and loved to play. He will be missed.
The Evans Family express their gratitude to all the caregivers from Altus Hospice for their compassionate care. Funeral services will be officiated by Rev. Dr. Jason Burden and Dr. David Mahfouz on Tuesday June 13th, at Melancon’s Funeral Home in Nederland Texas. Visitation is at 9 am and service at 10 am. Interment will follow at 2 PM at Weeks Chapel Cemetery, 5420 County Road 1067 Weirgate, Texas.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Nederland or the charity of your choice.