Dr. Donald Ray Evans, Sr.

Born in Rison Arkansas Nov 7, 1927 to the late Grady Evans and Birdie Lee (Rogers) Evans. There were three boys - Grady, Frank, Donald and one girl - Lillie. He attended Lanwood School in Rison during his formative years while being reared by both his parents and his grandmother, that he affectionately called 'Mama', LuCynthia Pennington Rogers (wife of Rev. Thomas Rogers). He graduated high school in 1945 in Warren, Arkansas. He later moved to California where he joined the then segregated Forces of the Army Air Corp in 1946. Donald married Minnie L. Carter in 1949. To this union they had 6 children. They traveled the world together as he believed the educational benefits would be better for his children during that time of American history. Donald served a distinguished 26 year commitment to the United States Air Force in which he obtained the rank of SMSgt. He retired in 1972. During his ca‐reer Donald served with Valor in two Wars, Korean and Vietnam. It was during the Vietnam War that he was awarded The Bronze Star as a Combat Veteran. He went on to work for The United States Postal Service for 21 years. Donald holds a BA in Sociology from Dominguez Hill University (1978). He holds an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from St. Stephen's Educational Bible College (1996). He was awarded for his many selfless en‐deavors in the African American Communities throughout the United States of America. Many people remember him by varied titles, Daddy, Papa Don, Grandpa and Doc. I'm certain that he would be pleased if remem‐bered as a tireless Warrior in pur‐suit of equal justice and opportu‐nities throughout The African American Communities in The United States of America. Donald passed away September 22, 2022 and resided in Mound Bayou, Mississippi at the time of his passing. He leaves to cherish his memo‐ries, Minnie L. Evans, daughters Dr. R. Marlene Evans, Ramona L. Evans, Sheila L. Smit...