Howard Milton Evans, 86, passed away on September 6, 2026, in Liberty, Missouri. 

He was born on May 5, 1940, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma to George Milton Evans and Ruth Marjorie Coleman. He was raised by Ruby Evans. 

Upon his 1958 graduation from College High School of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, Howard proudly served in the U.S. Navy, where he became known as “Howie,” a nickname used by close friends and family members throughout his lifetime. After graduating from extensive training in San Diego, California, Howard became a Surface Sonarman in September 1959. He actively served until August 1962 and was honorably discharged in September 1964. 

After his service, Howard spent most of his career working 35 years for Ford Motor Company at the Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, Missouri where Ford F-150 trucks and Ford Transit vans are produced. His fellow employees at Ford affectionately nicknamed him “Stretch.” 

In his free time, Howard was an avid golfer, pool player, bowler and boater. He loved dancing, fishing and traveling. Howard leaves behind his immediate family including his wife of 53 years, Sandra “Sandi” Evans, his daughter Shelia English (Pete Alcanter) and grandson Cole Milton Alcanter, in addition to daughters Jonnie Karen “Karen” Miller (Lloyd Huston) and Jeannie Brumfield (Paul Brumfield) from a previous relationship, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends. Howard will be remembered for his extreme kindness and devotion, which will continue in the lives of all who loved him. 

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 12:30pm, Newcomer’s White Chapel Funeral Home, 6600 NE Antioch Road, Gladstone, Missouri.