Elmer Wesley "Junior" Evans, 84, of Ewell, Smith Island, passed away Friday, January 10, 2025 at TidalHealth Peninsula Regional.

Born on Smith Island on June 13, 1940, he was a son of the late Elmer Francis and Anna Rose Jones Evans.

He was a life-long waterman and faithful member of Ewell United Church where he was Lay Leader, sang in the choir, was a frequent speaker, and was chair of the Camp Meeting Committee.  He was also a life member, Chaplain and Treasurer of the Ewell Volunteer Fire Department, member of the Chesapeake Masonic Lodge #147 AF&AM, and served as President of the Tangier Sound Watermen's Association.  He was inducted in the Waterman's Hall of Fame and was a boat docking champion as well.

"Pa" as he was affectionately called by everyone-not just family, loved to tinker and could fix anything.  He was a talented artist and woodworker who enjoyed painting, making furniture and model boats. He was a good athlete who followed the Baltimore Ravens and Orioles and was a faithful Liberty Flames fan.  He was also a "prankster" who loved to tease and be teased.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Mary Ruth Somers Evans of Ewell; two children, Sherry Evans Maloney of Salisbury and Buddy Evans and wife Laura of Ewell; a grandson, Caleb Evans and wife Taylor of Westover; two great-grandsons, Reed and Cade Evans of Westover; two sisters, Mary Ada Marshall of Tylerton and Jennifer Dize of Ewell; three sisters-in-law, Rose Evans and husband Eugene of Marion, June Evans of Ewell and Donna Crockett of Tangier; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by three brothers, Eddie Evans, Sr., Dennis Evans, and infant Clayton Evans; his son-in-law, Lex Maloney; and two brothers-in-law, Dwight Marshall and Bill Dize.

A funeral service officiated by Pastor David Evans, Jr. will be Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 2 PM at Ewell United Church on Smith Island. Interment will follow in the Ewell Church Cemetery.

Viewings will be Friday, January 17, 2025 from 10-11 AM at Bradshaw & Sons Funeral Home in Crisfield and 6-8 PM at Ewell United Church on Smith Island.  There will also be a viewing Saturday one hour prior to the service.

A special boat for funeral passengers, Chelsea Lane, will depart Somers Cove Marina in Crisfield at 12 PM and return following the services.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are requested to be sent to Ewell United Church or Ewell Vol. Fire Dept., both Ewell, MD 21824.