Rev. Pharis D. Evans

1932 - 2022

Pastor Emeritus Dr. Pharis D. Evans made his transition from earth to Glory on Wednesday, January 12, 2022. Pastor Evans was born August 6, 1932, to the late Henry Clay and Estanualy Evans in Brownsville, TN. After spending his young years in Brownsville, Pastor Evans moved to Chicago, IL in 1950 to be with his brothers. He was one of six who helped his brother Rev. Clay Evans organize Fellowship Baptist Church. He later enrolled in a mechanical vocation, where studied car mechanics, while directing the church choir at Fellowship Church. Shortly after establishing himself as a practicing mechanic, Pastor Evans met Ann Nell and a few months later, they married on Tuesday, October 9, 1951. God called Pastor Evans to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ in 1960, and in 1961, God appointed Pastor Evans to Clark Road Missionary Baptist Church. The news of the new-found pastor soared across the city, and the membership grew in leaps and bounds. Pastor Evans' electrifying gospel preaching, teaching, and singing had become a drawing card across the entire city and state. As pastor of Clark Road, Rev. Evans immediately became a "man of and for the people" and a friend to all. Pastor Evans' love for the city of Gary blossomed as he worked hard for Clark Road and for the surrounding communities. And since he had a love for people along with an infectious, and amiable personality, businessmen and community leaders quickly befriended Pastor Evans and easily gravitated toward his unpretentious southern roots, candor, and demeanor. Pastor Emeritus Pharis D. Evans was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Clay and Estanauly Evans; his beloved wife of 64 ½ years, Ann Nell Evans; his son, Lester Bernard Evans; his grandson, Jessie Darayle Wheatly; his brothers-Alonzo Evans, Deacon Estes Evans, Rev. Dr. Clay Evans, Rev. Joseph L. Evans, and Rev. John Delano Evans; and his sister, Gladys Evans Jones. Pastor Evans leaves to mourn his death but cherish his memories his 4 children: Dr. Erral Wayne Evans, Rochelle Howard, Leisa G. Evans-Broadus, and Pastor Pharis Jr; 9 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; 1 God-son; 2 sisters: Lou Della Evans Reid and Minnie Joe Evans; 1 sister-in-law: Valeria Bramlett; nieces and nephews; his BELOVED Clark Road Church Family; and so many others whose lives were touched, inspired, and impacted by his love, camaraderie, and relationship. On Friday, January 21, 2022, from 12 noon to 7:00 p.m., public viewing with family hour at 6:00 p.m. Church Service will begin at 7:00 p.m. On Saturday, January 22, 2022, public viewing from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Homegoing Service at 11:00 a.m. All services will be held at Clark Road Missionary Baptist Church, 2841 Clark Road, Gary, IN 46404. Services rendered by Evans Funeral Home.