of England, AR

February 10, 1935 - September 4, 2025

LTC. Eulus Eugene "Rusty" Evans left the earth and walked into Heaven on September 4, 2025 at the grand age of 90 years old.

Rusty, also known as Colonel Evans to many, was born on Feb. 10, 1935 in Plum Bayou, Arkansas. He graduated from England High School in 1953 and entered the US Army in 1954 at age nineteen. Later, he graduated with a BS degree in history from Troy University.

Rusty married the absolute love of his life in 1957. He and Judy LaRue Foster Evans of England, Arkansas created a beautiful life together. They had three children, Margo Evans Coger of Vilonia, Mark Evans (and Donna) of Conway and Terri Evans Sikole (and Mark) of England. Their grandchildren include Chelsea Coger Mahan, Caleb Coger, Molly Evans, Matt Evans, Anna Summers Brightman, Evan Sikole and Ainslee Sikole Murph. Great grandchildren are Easton Mahan, Chloe Mahan, Sutton Coger, Avary Grace Summers and Nohlin Brightman. Rusty leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love and a shining example of how to trust the Lord in every detail of living.

Rusty's military career began in artillery, where he excelled. While in formation one morning, two strapping barrel-chested soldiers with starched uniforms and shining black boots stood in front of them and told them they could double their pay if they went to Airborne School. Dad looked at his buddy next to him and said, "We can do that!" The rest is history. He received his Airborne patches and jump wings and worked his way up. He claimed he probably jumped out of twenty airplanes before he ever actually landed in one. He tried several times to qualify for Officer's Candidate School (OCS) before he was finally selected. He attended OCS and when he successfully completed the course, he went back to England, AR where he married his sweetheart, Judy LaRue Foster. After a three-year tour in Germany, they returned to Fort Rucker, AL where he attended flight school. He completed the fixed wing school and later the rotary wing school. He spent one year (1965-66) in Korea flying patrols along the DMZ. Then he spent his first tour in Vietnam (1966-67) flying helicopters. He returned to Fort Rucker as a flight instructor and airport controller until he was sent to Vietnam for the second time (1969-70). He received several commendations, including the Bronze Star, the Army Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal with Valor and the Distinguished Flying Cross. He finished his career in the Army in 1974 at Fort Chaffee.

After a year in sales with Triplex Rubber and Supply in North Little Rock, AR, he accepted the Senior Instructor position in the Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) program at Watson Chapel High School in Pine Bluff, AR. He loved his work there, providing young people the tools they would need to become responsible and successful adults. They would also be prepared for military service upon graduation. He has had the honor of seeing many of his cadets go on to successful military careers. He took great pride in having the opportunity to change the life course of many less privileged young people. "Colonel Evans", as his students still refer to him, retired from teaching in 1996.

Rusty loved God and His Word and lived it day-in and day-out. He was a passionately devoted man. He was passionately devoted to his wife and family. He was passionately devoted to serving his country. He was passionately devoted to teaching. He was passionately devoted to Christ and his church family, but he was also a servant. He not only was a faithful member of various churches but always took a leadership role helping to build up a given church in the community. He served well, not calling attention to himself but always seeking the good of those around him.

Rusty achieved the highest honor for a man on this earth: he loved well and was loved by many. He was always up for a game of ball in the backyard at family gatherings, made sure his grandchildren had a mound of Christmas gifts to open, was a great storyteller about his growing up years and military life and an amazing encourager. He was inspiring and many looked up to him, from his own children and grandchildren, to his students, church members and the community itself. He was extremely generous to all.

Rusty was preceded in death by his parents, Elisha and Anna Bostian Evans; his siblings, Janita Evans Hartwick, William Carlton "Toby" Evans, Bobby Glenn Evans; his daughter, Terri Evans Sikole and a grandson, Braydon Sikole. He is survived by his wife, Judy Evans and brother, Ray Dean "Norman" Evans.

The visitation with family will be Tuesday, September 9th from 6:00-8:00 PM at Roller Funeral Home in England, AR. The service honoring his life will be Wednesday, September 10th at 10:00 AM at First Baptist Church in England, AR.

Memorial contributions can be made to First Baptist Church, England, Arkansas and The Wounded Warrior Project (woundedwarriorproject.org).

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