Johnny Paul "Johnny Black" Evans

On April 13, 2023, Johnny Paul Evans, "Johnny Black," passed away suddenly, with his family by his side.

Johnny is survived by his wife, Ruth Evans; sister, Jane Shultz; daughters, Desiree Medina, Diane and (Dennis) Volkheimer and Rose Grant; sons, John and (Anna) Evans II, Richard and Corina Evans; grandchildren, Celina, Cecily, Tatiana, Kiona, Shoshana, Mattie, Kyle, Lawrence, Logan, John III, Elijah, Arthur, Kristina, Alisa, Daishan and Bryon; and great-grandchildren.

Johnny had many, many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Johnny worked for the civil service at Eielson Air Force Base, then transferred to Fort Wainwright as boiler maintenance; after 30 years, he retired. Johnny could not sit still, so he went to work for Denali State Bank for another 12 years.

Johnny loved going moose hunting on the Koyukuk River with Morris Thompson, Eli Aragon and cousin Jerry Evans, and Ted Enoka playing music on the sandbar. He also liked fishing for salmon along the Kenai River. He played pool most of his life and was a sharp shooter. He joined many leagues around the Fairbanks area and made many friends. A few times, his team went to Las Vegas for tournaments. Johnny also enjoyed carpentry. He built some houses, boats, decks many numerous wood items. Johnny and his grandson built a patio for Johnny's cousin at their home, and he also built his home.

Johnny was a carpenter by day and Elvis by night. He officiated in marriage two couples who wanted Elvis to marry them. He also was in The Golden Days Parades with Ron Franklin and performed many gigs as Elvis. When others asked for help in making a casket for their deceased loved one, he always opened up his woodshop (garage) and built it for them.

Johnny is preceded in death by son, Willie Evans; parents, Richard and Mildred Paul Evans; sister, Angie Galibreath; brothers, Eddie Smagge, Vincent Olin and Vincent Yaska. Johnny is going to be greatly missed!

Visitation will be noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 19, at David Salmon Tribal Hall, 111 Clay St., with the service following at 1 p.m. The burial service will be at Birch Hill, and a potluck will follow at the tribal hall.