- Born on: June 25, 1925
- Departed on: September 11, 2023
- Resided in: Columbus City, IA
Delmore Evans
Delmore Evans, 98, of Columbus City, IA, passed away Monday, September 11 at University of Iowa Hospital.
Delmore was born June 25, 1925, the son of Jeremiah and Mary Elsie Jones Evans. He was raised in rural Columbus Junction in a Welsh community. He was very proud of his Welsh heritage and was fluent in the language. Delmore graduated from Columbus Community High School in 1943. After graduation he joined the United States Army in September and served in the South Pacific during World War II. He was a forward observer of the field artillery and would radio the location of the enemy. Delmore received the Bronze Star for bravery. He was a member of the unit that freed the prisoners in Billibid Prison, Philippines, and helped liberate U.S. captives in Santo Tomas College.
In January of 1946, he returned to Columbus Junction and was employed by a creamery. He met Laverta Dicks, his bride of 75 years, in the summer of 46 and they were married in West Liberty on December 14, 1947. Delmore was employed by Dillion Stone Rock Quarry, Standard Oil, Drinkall Automotive, and retired from Natural Gas Pipeline after 18 years. During retirement he worked for a farmer for 14 years. He served as Mayor of Columbus City, IA and did road maintenance for the town for 18 years. Delmore was a ballroom dancer, avid Iowa Hawkeyes fan, enjoyed fishing, coffee with neighbors, and his family. He never knew a stranger, loved to tell jokes, and always had a good story.
Those left to honor his memory are his wife, Laverta Dicks Evans, sons Dennis Evans and wife Melody of Whitehall, MT, Danny Evans and wife Cyndie of Muscatine, IA; grandchildren Chad Evans of New Orleans, LA, Betsy Duffy of Pella, IA, Annissa Evans of Nashville, TN, Andy Evans of West Haven, CT, Aimee Eaton of Potosi, MO and Katie Coleman of St. Louis, MO; a quiver full of great grandchildren and a sister, Margaret Dunnahoo of Columbus Junction, IA. Delmore was preceded in death by his parents, oldest son, David Evans, brothers Tom Evans and LeRoy Evans.
A celebration of life and luncheon will be held Friday, September 29 at 11:00 a.m. at the American Legion, 99 2nd Street, Columbus Junction, IA. Delmore would have loved to have all his friends to be in attendance.
