John W. Evans, 82, of rural Spencerville, died at 11:13 a.m. Oct. 4, 2009, at Auglaize Acres, Wapakoneta.

He was born Feb. 2, 1927, in Spencerville to Roy F. and Mary E. Jamieson Evans. On Dec. 30, 1945, he married Ruth E. Boyer, who survives.

Other survivors are two children, Barbara (Rick) Baker, Wapakoneta, and David (Wendy) Evans, Spencerville; a sister-in-law, Janet Evans, Spencerville; two grandsons and a great-granddaughter.

Deceased is a brother, Max Evans.

He was a Marathon distributor, and owned and operated Evans Marathon and D.B.J. Trucking Company, both in Spencerville. He was a 1945 graduate of Spencerville High School and a U.S. Navy veteran serving in W.W. II. He served on the Auglaize County Fair Board. He was active in harness racing, and was a member of the Auglaize County Horseman's Association, the Western Ohio Colt Racing Association and the United States Trotting Association. He was a member of the Spencerville United Church of Christ, the Acadia Lodge Free and Accepted Masons, Spencerville, Bowersock Brothers Veterans of Foreign Wars, Harry J. Reynolds American Legion, both in Spencerville, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Wapakoneta, and the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley, Dayton and a former member of the Spencerville Invincible Fire Company.

Services are 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home, Spencerville, the Revs. Vince Lavieri and David Howell officiating. Burial is at the Spencerville Cemetery, with military rites provided by the V.F.W. and American Legion, both in Spencerville.

Calling is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., Wednesday at the funeral home, where a Masonic memorial service will be held at 7:30 p.m.

Contributions may be directed to the charity of the donor's choice.