Benjamin Evans

Benjamin J. "Ben" Evans died peacefully on August 25, 2013, in Hot Springs, Arkansas surrounded by the family who loved him. He was 78. He is survived by his wife of 7 years, Jackie Maxwell Evans; his daughters, Cindy Evans Johnson of Hot Springs and Dee Ann Evans of Seattle, Washington; his grandson, Ethan Johnson; Ron Maxwell of Little Rock; two daughters Jan Beauchamp of Ft. Smith, Misti Hart of Benton, 6 grandchildren and 8 nieces and nephews. Ben was preceded in death by his long-time love and wife of 48 years, Carolyn Kidd Evans; two infant sons and an infant grandson; his brother James Evans II; and sister Betty Evans Sullivan, as well as his parents. Born on January 26, 1935 in New Orleans, he was the son of James and Clare Evans. He grew up in New Orleans and graduated from Catholic High School. After completing his military service, he attended the University of Southwestern Louisiana in Lafayette, Louisiana where he earned a degree in civil engineering in 1962. Following graduation, he accepted a position as an engineer in the training program with the Federal Highway Administration. He and Carolyn lived in a number of cities during their time in the program including: Glacier National Park, Alexandria, Virginia, Austin, Texas and finally settled in North Little Rock, Arkansas and retired there in 1990. As part of the FHWA family, they met and made many lifetime friends. Ben was a warm and gentle man who was dear to many close friends and their families. He enjoyed life and especially being outdoors. He loved playing golf, fishing, or just being on the water. He taught his girls and their friends all how to waterski and his grandson how to fish. Ben was especially known for his ability to "fix" almost anything. He never met a challenge he couldn't repair with duct tape. But most of all, he was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 28 at 6:00 p.m. at North Little Rock Funeral Home with rosary service to follow at 7:00 p.m. A funeral mass will be held on Thursday Aug. 29 at 10:00 a.m at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Burial will be in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ben's memory to American Cancer Society.
Online obituary at www.SmithFamilyCares.com .