Frankie Evans

Frankie Evans, 94, of Sharon, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on November 3, 2025, at Woodward Hospital surrounded by family.

Frankie was born on January 11, 1931, to Cecil and Clara (Miller) Evans. He lived with his parents until the age of 14, and even as a young boy, he showed a strong work ethic and sense of responsibility. At the age of 12, he proudly served as a page for Legislator Tom Hussey at the Oklahoma State Capitol for two years.

At 16, Frankie moved to California, where he worked in a pencil factory for a year before returning to Camargo, Oklahoma, for a short time. He returned to California to work another year at the same factory. Upon coming home again, Frankie drove a gravel truck for Orville Cleveland and joined Vern Salisbury on harvest work - experiences that taught him the value of hard work and community.

In 1952, at the age of 21, Frankie enlisted in the United States Navy and served four years during the Korean War. His time in the service was a source of pride throughout his life. Frankie was awarded the Korean Peace Award in October 2024 by the Korean Government Consulate.

In 1957, Frankie married the love of his life, Mary Jane Salisbury. Together they made their first home in Dallas, Texas, for about two years before returning to Sharon, Oklahoma, to help Mary Jane's parents on the dairy farm. There, they raised their family together.

After the dairy was sold, Frankie worked for G.O. Williams Oil Company in Sharon for nine years, Vici Co-op for another nine years, and later at Clayton Services in Chester, Oklahoma. Afterward, he found great joy and purpose working at the Woodward Senior Center, where he delivered meals to shut-ins for 19 ½ years. He retired at the age of 85 but continued living on the family farm that he loved so dearly, until health reasons brought them to town.

Frankie was known for his kind heart, strong work ethic, and willingness to help anyone in need. He treasured his friendships with special friends Melvin Burba, Jack Lynes, and Harold Kennedy, and he deeply loved his family and community.

He is survived by his children, daughters, Debra (Dennis) Ruttman and Cathy (Paul) Zellmer; son, Gary (Linda) Evans; and daughter-in-law, Donna Evans. He is survived by his grandchildren, Brian (Nunu) Ruttman, Staci (Dustin) Pope, Jake Evans, Lesa (Doug) Walker, Jessica Shannon, Heith (Patrika) Renschen, Jodi (Dane) Fields, Trey (Elizabeth) Renschen, Tyler (Devin) Renschen, Gabe (Megan) Zellner, Emily (Donald) Bourne, and Hannah (Marco) Gregorio. He is survived by his 32 Great-Grandchildren and 6 Great Great Grandchildren. His brother, Bennie Evans.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Jane; his son Doug Evans; his parents, Cecil and Clara Evans; his in-laws Vern and Bethel Salisbury; and brothers, Dale, Lynn, and Ray Evans; and sisters, Myrtle Luellan and Clarabell Jenkins.

A celebration of life will be held at the Sharon Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial donations may be made in Frankie's name to the Sharon Methodist Church or Woodward Senior Center.

Frankie's life was one of quiet strength, steady faith, and unwavering kindness. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

A very special thank you to Vici Nursing staff, Providence Place staff, the Woodward Hospital staff, and the Sharon-Mutual Community.

Memorial donations may be made to the

Sharon United Methodist Church or the Woodward Senior Center

c/o Shaw Funeral Home

P.O. Box 276

Vici, OK 73859.