SHERMAN, TEXAS — The Austin College community mourns the passing of Rev. Dr. John Evans ’64, who died on Tuesday, January 21, 2025.

Born on August 16, 1942, in El Campo, Texas, to Jewel and Mary Evans, Evans dedicated his life to faith, education, and service. After graduating from Austin College, he went on to earn his master of divinity from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. He was ordained on July 14, 1968, and installed as associate pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Austin, Texas, marking the beginning of a lifelong ministry.

Throughout his career, Evans faithfully served in various leadership roles, including at Austin College, the Synod of the Sun, the Texas Presbyterian Foundation, and the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Foundation. His deep ties to Austin Seminary spanned decades, where he held multiple positions, such as Director of Vocation and Admissions (1984-1991), Vice President for Development and Church Relations (1991-2000), and Vocation and Placement Officer (2004-2008).

In 2000, Evans was honored with Austin Seminary’s Distinguished Service Award, recognizing his unwavering commitment to the church and its future leaders. He also received an honorary doctorate from Austin College in acknowledgment of his lifelong contributions.

Evans’ twin brother, Dr. Jay Evans ’64, followed a similar path at Austin College, and for decades, countless Presbyterians could trace a meaningful connection to one or both of the Evans brothers.

John Evans’ legacy is one of mentorship, generosity, and faithful service to the Presbyterian Church and the body of Christ. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jewel and Mary Evans of El Campo. He is survived by his twin brother, Dr. Jay Evans of Dallas, Texas, and his cousin, Dot Morris Hudgins of Hungerford.

A service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Dallas on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 2 p.m. and will be livestreamed at fpcdallas.org. To honor Evans’ lifelong dedication to education and ministry, contributions may be made to the John R. Evans Endowed Scholarship Fund, established upon his retirement.

Austin College, a private national liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas, has earned a reputation for excellence in academic preparation, pre-professional foundations, committed faculty, and hands-on, adventurous learning opportunities. One of 44 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s influential book Colleges That Change Lives, Austin College boasts a welcoming community that embraces diversity and individuality, with more than 50 percent of students identifying as persons of color. The residential student body of approximately 1,300 students and an expert faculty of more than 100 educators allow a 13:1 student-faculty ratio and personalized attention. Related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA), Austin College cultivates an inclusive atmosphere that supports students’ faith journeys regardless of religious tradition. The College, founded in 1849, is the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original name and charter.