John Odum Evans

89 year old John Odum Evans of Liberty died Friday at NHC Healthcare Center of Smithville. He was a retired funeral director of 50 years and a farmer. Evans was also a deacon at Salem Baptist Church for 55 years and one of the first directors of Salem Cemetery. The funeral will be Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at Salem Baptist Church, where he was a member for 81 years. Mark Wade will officiate and burial will be in Salem Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Love-Cantrell Funeral Home and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 pm. at the church. He was preceded in death by his parents, George Hoyte and Annette Odum Evans. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Valeria Groom Evans of Liberty. A son, Doyle Evans of Liberty. Three grandchildren, Tara and husband Joe Beck of Madison, Wisconsin; Bryan Evans, and Gwen and husband Clay Dyer of Murfreesboro. Six great grandchildren, Alex, Miri, and Aaron Beck of Madison, Wisconsin and Collin, Drew, and Nate Dyer of Murfreesboro. Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. The family requests that donations be made to Salem Cemetery, in lieu of flowers.