Father G. William Evans

Father G. William Evans

AGE: 71 •

Father G. William Evans, who retired as pastor of St. Dorothea Parish, Eatontown, in 2009 and was a priest of the diocese for 35 years, died Monday, November 18, 2013. Father Evans was born Dec. 6, 1943 in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Following his graduation from Moorestown High School, he served six years in the U.S. Army's 114th Infantry, New Jersey National Guard in Burlington, from 1964-1970, serving for six months in Fort Dix and additional time in the reserves. During his time in the Army reserves, Father Evans was a reporter and a printer for the Camden Courier-Post newspaper for three years.

He prepared for the priesthood in St. Mary's College, St. Mary, Ky., where he earned a bachelor's degree in philosophy, then Mount St. Mary Seminary, Emmitsburg, Md., earning a master's degree in theology. Father Evans was ordained a priest May 20, 1978, in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, by Bishop George W. Ahr. He served as parochial vicar in Sacred Heart Parish, Mount Holly; St. Denis Parish, Manasquan; Holy Angels Parish, Hamilton (where he also acted as temporary administrator), and St. Dominic Parish, Brick. Father Evans was named pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Beverly (which is now part of Jesus the Good Shepherd Parish, Riverside), March 9, 1990, and then St. Dorothea Parish, Eatontown, April 23, 1999. During his tenure in St. Dorothea Parish, he led the congregation in building an addition, expanding the parking lot for a growing membership, establishing a Knights of Columbus council, creating a "Prayer Garden," continuing the developing of cherished memorials, including the purchase of two life-size statues honoring St. Dorothea, a martyr who died for her faith under the anti-Christian Roman Empire. In addition to his pastoral duties, he served as chaplain of the Serra Club of Burlington County. Father Evans retired from active ministry Sept. 2, 2009.

Predeceased by his parents, Gomer W. and Mary Correll Evans and his step-mother, Frances Evans. Surviving are a brother, Richard and his wife Karen Evans of Land O' Lakes, FL; sisters, Marilyn Lunger of Catawissa, PA and Nancy and her husband Brendan King of Wanaque, NJ; 10 nieces and nephews, Robin, Rickie and Kevin Evans, Gary, Stephen and David Lunger and Natalie Smith, Brendan, Michael and Christopher King and 13 great nieces and nephews.

Rite of Reception will be at 2pm Thursday at St. Dorothea's Church with a viewing until Mass at 7pm. Funeral Mass will be offered at 10:30 am Friday with the Most Reverend David M. O'Connell, Bishop of Trenton, officiating. Burial will be at Memorial Shrine Cemetery, Wyoming, PA. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 1160 Highway 22, Suite 103, Bridgewater, NJ 08807. Arrangements are by the Fiore Funeral Home, West Long Branch.