Jack A. Evans

HAMILTON - Jack Evans, 88, of Hamilton left this earth to be with the Lord and his wife Mary Kay on May 6, 2011. Jack died peacefully at home with family close by.

Jack was born in Albuquerque, NM, the son of the late Ernest A. "Big Jack" and Dot (Hitch) Evans.

Jack was raised by his aunt and uncle on the Hitch ranch in Guymon, OK. Jack graduated St. Thomas military academy in St. Paul, MN and completed Navy flight school. Jack joined the Marines in September 1943 and became a Marine fighter pilot serving in the South Pacific Theater in WWII flying the F4U Corsair. He was honorably discharged from active duty in October 1945 and was honorably discharged as a captain from the Marine Reserves in February 1959.

Following active duty, Jack returned to the Hitch Ranch in Guymon. It was in Guymon where he met and married the love of his life, Mary Kay. They stayed on the Hitch Ranch until they bought a ranch in Watrous, NM. They later sold that ranch and bought a larger ranch near Villanueva, NM in 1950.

In 1963 Jack and family moved to their ranch south of Hamilton.

Jack became partners with his good friend Jerry Bergh and they formed Sapphire Realty in Hamilton. Their business prospered for many years before they sold it and retired.

Jack was a member of the Masonic Lodge, the Elks Lodge, the Montana Cattle Association and many other organizations.

Jack loved being a cowboy. He lived being a cowboy. He was always willing to help other ranchers gather, brand and work their cattle. When we lost Jack we lost one of the last "real cowboys."

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Kay, and his sister Barbara Kott.

He is survived by his sons Chris (Sue), Jay (Becki) and Bryan (Camie); grandchildren Jake, Jesse, Kelly, Angela, Kiffany, Heather, Paydn and eight great grandchildren.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Hamilton Volunteer Fire Department or your favorite charity.