Wilbur Evans, Sr.

Wilbur Evans Sr. was born on March 21, 1926 in Boston, Massachusetts. He was the second child of the late John W. Evans and Marion Yates Evans.

Wilbur left High School at age 16 to join the U.S. Maritime Service from 1943-1944. In 1945, he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps where he served in Guam, Saipan and Tinian during World War II. After his discharge, in 1947, he returned home and received his diploma from the Mass Trade School and became a licensed Oil Burner Technician. From 1948 to 2010 he held jobs as a Union Cloth Cutter; Trustee of Herbert J. Downs Estate; Ship Fitters Helper at the General Dynamics Shipyard in Quincy, Mass; and as a welder at the Boston Navy Shipyard.

In 1975, Wilbur joined Prince Hall F&AM Masons and became a Past Master of Mt Zion Lodge #15. He was a member of St Stephen Chapter # 1, Holy Royal Arch Masons; Past Potentate of Syria Temple #31, Ancient Egyptian Arabic Noble of the Mystic Shrine; Director of Syria Temple Motorcycle Patrol; he was actively involved with the Syria Temple Bowling Team. He was also a member of Golgotha Commandery # 3; Prince Hall Grand Commandery Knight Templar; Holy Sepulchre Consistory # 17; Past Patron of Celestial Chapter # 6, Order of the Eastern Star; Honorary Member of Mt Zion Chapter # 21, Order of Eastern Star; Honorary Member of Rising Sun Lodge # 3, F&AM Mason; and member of African Lodge # 459. He was honored as the Prince Hall Grand Lodge Marshall Emeritus. In 1996, he was part of an 18 member delegation that went to England to receive formal recognition from the Grand Lodge of England.

Wilbur became a member of the American Legion William E. Carter Post # 16, AMVETS of Boston and he was also a former member of the Knights of Columbus.

Wilbur Sr. was active with the youth in the community. He was the Director of the Murray Hill Drum & Bugle Corp where discipline, teamwork, service and responsibility was provided to the youth. He received Official Resolutions, Certificates of Recognitions and Official Citations from City Councilors, State Representatives, and State Senators. In 1988, Wilbur received the James D. Kernen Man of the Year Award by the Massachusetts Drum Corp Hall of Fame.

Wilbur was preceded in death by his mother and father, his wife Gladys Downs Evans, sister Dorothy Evans, daughter Cynthia Dove Evans and nephew John Evans Sr.

His memories will be shared by his children Sheila Evans Bennett of Maryland, Gladys Evans Triplett of Roxbury, Donna Evans Scott of Hyde Park, Wilbur (and Margaret) Evans Jr. of Randolph, and Anthony M. Evans of Roxbury. Cherishing warm memories will be 5 children, 17 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren, friend Elizabeth “Betty” Moore, along with many other friends and relatives. Special thanks to those who helped raise his children, including the late Hazel Chase of Mattapan, the late Sylvia Steel of Birmingham, Alabama and many other friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, at the family's request, donations may be made the Wilbur Evans, Sr. Scholarship Fund. Checks should be made payable to: Mt. Zion Lodge #15 and mailed to: 24 Washington Street, Dorchester, MA 02121

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