Search by Name

Search by Name

ERNEST EVANS Obituary


ERNEST E. EVANS, JR.  Colonel, USMC (Ret.)  
Died September 16, 2017 of pulmonary complications. He was born and raised in Long Beach, California. His USNA appointment was under PL 228 (sons of Medal of Honor awardees). During the Battle off Samar, his father, USNA '31, was the Captain of USS Johnston (DD557) whose decisive actions in the battle influenced the Japanese to abort their attack on the landing beaches at Leyte. LtCdr. Evans did not survive. "The apple never falls too far from the tree." At USNA, Ernie was in 5th company, third wing, Bancroft Hall. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant, USMC. After training at The Basic School, Quantico, he was a Platoon Commander, Reconnaissance Company, 1st MARDIV, Camp Pendleton, California. In 1956, he became a Guard Officer, MB Guam. He then trained new Marines at MCRD San Diego. Ernie then became C.O. H&S Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st MARDIV, Camp Pendleton. When they moved to Okinawa Ernie was C.O., E Company, and later Assistant Operations Officer. During the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Battalion deployed on the LPH USS Iwo Jima. Back at Camp Pendleton, Ernie became Assistant Training Officer, Division General Staff, then C.O. Replacement Company MCB. Afterward, he was Marine Officer Instructor, NROTC, IIT, Chicago. In 1968 in Vietnam, Ernie became the Battalion operations officer, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines combating the NVA 320th Division. Three days later, they repulsed an NVA regimental assault after a heavy barrage of artillery/mortars. The 320th became combat ineffective. Ernie became Regimental Operations officer, then 3rd Battalion C.O. It was very successful in combat. Ernie returned to Camp Pendleton as Operations Officer, 5th MARDIV. He then attended graduate school, University of Rochester, and received an MBS. The next five years were in the Fiscal Division, HQMC. In 1976 he reported to MCDC Quantico in long-range plans. Then he assisted the Secretary, Tactical Warfare, Office of Secretary of Defense. Ernie retired 1 October 1983, and established his consulting corporation in Virginia. Awards include: Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit w/V, Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, PUC, two NUC's, and the RVN Gallantry Cross w/Palm. Ernie was predeceased by Jean, his loving wife of 51 years, whom he married after graduation from USNA. Surviving children are Deborah, Ernest E. III, Rebecca, and Michael, seven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Ernie will be interred with his wife in Arlington National Cemetery on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 at 3 p.m.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post on Jan. 14, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for ERNEST EVANS

Not sure what to say?





2 Entries

Darl DeVault

February 15, 2021

February 11, 2018

USS Johnston/USS Hoel Association extends our deepest belated sympathy to the Evans family on the passing of Ernest Evans jr. He was a good friend to the association, and his service is very much appreciated.

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results

Make a Donation
in ERNEST EVANS's name

Memorial Events
for ERNEST EVANS

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support ERNEST's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor ERNEST EVANS's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more