Ralph E. Evans, 85, of Ohio City passed away Monday evening, April 5, 2021, at Van Wert Manor Nursing Home.

He was born on October 4, 1935, in Van Wert County to the late Edward H. and Mary E. (Duvall) Evans. He married Mary Janice (Ricketts) Evans on June 16, 1957. She preceded him in death on November 22, 1995.

He married Judy Elaine (Ferguson) Evans on January 1, 2000.

Surviving are four children, David L. (Joyce) Evans of LaOtto, Indiana, Richard D. (Karen) Evans of Ohio City, Aimee D. (Jay) Nofer of Ohio City, and Angela S. (John) Miller of Columbus; twelve grandchildren, Carl Evans, John R. Evans, Katie Evans, Emily (Nate) Hall, Alyssa Evans (Jason Bleijerveld), Abby (Michael) Reeves, Drew (Rachael) Nofer, Brooke Nofer, Ryan Miller, Elena Miller, Shannon (Andy) Riley, and Tim (Beth) Wages; and ten great grandchildren. Also surviving are one step son, Shawn Priddy of Middle Point; and two step grandchildren, Devin and Ashlee Middleton. Ralph is survived by three sisters, Annabel Holland of Van Wert, Lois Linser of Van Wert, and Ruth (Lloyd) Etzler of Convoy.

Ralph was preceded in death by his brother, Homer and Wayne Evans; his sister Mildred Kreischer; and one step-daughter, Amy Middleton.

Ralph was a member of Olive Branch Church of God of rural Ohio City. Ralph was a 1953 graduate of Hoaglin Jackson High School and served in the Army National Guard attaining a rank of Spec 4. He was an active 4-H member of more than ten years and served as a 4-H advisor many years. He was on the county 4-H Council serving as its president for two years. Ralph was active in FFA attaining his State Farmer Degree. He served on the Ohio City Liberty School Board for more than eight years.

Ralph was a farmer and retired from Federal Mogul Corporation in Van Wert where he was a factory department supervisor for thirty-five years. He then drove a school bus, substituting for five different schools and drove a regular route for Thomas Edison Center for five years.

Services will be at 12 noon, Saturday, April 10, 2021 at Cowan & Son Funeral Home with Pastor Marc Phillips officiating.

Calling will be from 10 a.m. to noon prior to the service. Interment will follow at Ohio City Woodlawn Cemetery where military rites will be offered by the Ohio City American Legion Post.

Preferred memorials are to the Olive Branch Church.

Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded at cowanfuneralhome.com, Tribute Wall.