Weldon Lee Evans

Weldon Lee Evans beloved former business owner of Evans Supermarket, son of the late Wilmer Lee and Carolyn Emma (Garrett) Evans was born on December 29, 1949, in Lamar, Missouri. He attended school in Nevada, Missouri until moving to Springfield, graduating from Parkview Senior High School in 1967. Weldon furthered his education by attending Drury College, graduating with a bachelor's degree in 1973. After graduating he moved to Richland to join his parents in the family business. He proudly served Richland, and the surrounding communities, until his retirement in December 2011. Weldon was proud to call Richland home, always wanting to see it thrive and grow. He served as a deputy sheriff, volunteer firefighter, participated in city government, the Lions Club, the Richland school board, as well as coaching youth baseball and softball. Often Weldon’s support came from behind the scenes with much needed last-minute items. Weldon’s passion was seeing children grow and achieve the educational skills needed to live productive lives as adults. He encouraged not only his children and grandchildren to “work hard in school,” but also his “store kids.” Weldon renewed his commitment to God in 2004 and became a greatly loved member of Grace Baptist Church in Richland. While in Boone Hospital, Columbia, Missouri, on the evening of January 13, 2023, Weldon became Heaven’s newest resident, having attained the age of 73 years. Left to cherish his memory are his devoted, and loving wife, Karol of the home; four children: William Evans of Eureka, MO, Cassie Wilson (Rob) of Waynesville, MO, Lauren Smith (Tim) of Richland, MO, and Steven Bartlett (Emily) of Lebanon, MO; 8 grandchildren: Sydney and Max Evans, Cameron and Reese Wilson, Logan and Luke Smith, and Clayton and Boone Bartlett; sister: Karen Evans; two brothers-in-law: Michael Adkison (Jennifer), and Jeffrey Bartlett; one nephew: Michael Fiedler; three nieces: Lindsay Parham, Serah Curren, and Ariel Adkison; and a host of other relatives and many, many friends who Weldon called family. He was preceded in death by his parents. Weldon loved life and the people and adventures that came with it. He was known to be quite the jokester, and just couldn’t contain his orneriness. Weldon loved a good laugh and had a great one that could be heard by everyone! He had a big heart, and he always found time to lend a helping hand to anyone he could throughout his lifetime. Weldon will always be remembered and forever loved, safe in the arms of God. Services were held at 6:30 p.m., Friday, January 20, 2023, in Memorial Chapel of Richland with Pastor Tony Shaw officiating. Son, Steven Bartlett gave the reading of the obituary; family friend, Rich Homan shared many wonderful memories of Weldon during his eulogy. Weldon’s son, William Evans also shared several funny and touching stories about his dad. Wife, Karol Evans shared her concluding thoughts before the recorded song, Beulah Land was played by the late soloist, Gary Guice. Private interment will be held at a later date in the Lake Cemetery of Lamar, Missouri. Services were under the care and direction of Memorial Chapel of Richland. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Weldon Lee Evans to the Salvation Army and may be left at the Memorial Chapel of Richland. Online condolences can be sent at www.memorialchapelsandcrematory.com.

Weldon Lee Evans

December 29, 1949 - January 13, 2023