Junior Evans, 90, of rural Oskaloosa, passed away June 11, 2023, at the Monroe Care Center in Albia, Iowa.
Harold Junior Evans, son of Eddie and Mildred (Derby) Evans, was born on October 19, 1932, in Ottumwa, Iowa. Junior was an ambitious young man, and at 14, he built a welder. He used his homemade welder for several years before purchasing his first professional one. Junior worked on many projects, including farm equipment, bridges, high-pressure lines, and heavy equipment. He worked for Midland Supply and Tool, Kaser, and in his business, Edge Towne Welding. He provided welding services to rock quarries, farmers, and anyone who called. Junior also operated many types of lathes and made parts for equipment. At age 65, he started using a portable lathe/boring machine. Junior never backed down from a challenge and constantly added to his knowledge and expertise. His skills and knowledge were far-reaching, and he will be genuinely missed by those who depended on him.
On August 6, 1956, Junior and Etta Mae Fitzsimmons were united in marriage at The Assembly of God Church in Eldon, Iowa. They were blessed with 58 years of marriage and six sons: Charlie and Harold of Oskaloosa, Dale (Mona) of Sturgeon, MO, Jim (Carol) of Oskaloosa, Melvin of the Philippines, and Bryan (Nancy) of Oskaloosa; 13 grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Junior was preceded in death by his wife, Etta Mae, on July 29, 2015, his son, Dale, on May 8, 2023, and four brothers.
Funeral services for Junior will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, June 15, 2023, at Langkamp Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa, with Pastor Mike Sereg officiating. Burial will be in Highland Cemetery in Eddyville. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. on Wednesday; the family will greet visitors from 5-7 p.m. Memorials can be made to the family and designated later.
