Ross Murray Evans

Ross Murray Evans

A Fiercely Proud Grandfather -

Ross Murray Evans, age 94, of Mechanicsburg, passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on Sunday, July 21, 2019.  Ross was born on Monday, July 28, 1924 in New York, NY to the late Frederick Everett Evans and Margaret (Murray) Evans.  Ross was the widower of Betty Jane (Hoffman) Evans, whom he married on May 19, 1951, and who died on October 30, 2011.  In addition to his parents and wife, Ross is preceded in death by his son, Robert Murray Evans; his grandson, Brandon Clarke Evans; and his two brothers, Frederick “Fred” Everett Evans Jr. and James “Jim” Murray Evans.

Ross’s survivors include his three children: Patricia “Patty” Hammaker and her husband Jeffrey, of New Cumberland, Linda Sue Brassell and her husband, Donald, of Great Falls, VA, Frederick “Fred” J. Evans and his wife Elizabeth “Sue”, of Louden, TN; his eight grandchildren: Jamie Evans, Evan Brassell, Ryan Evans, Justin Evans, Chris Brassell, Joshua Hammaker, Grace Brassell, and Alexis Hammaker; and four nieces.

Ross graduated from Mamaroneck High School as part of the class of 1942. He was raised in the Christian Science faith.   After enrolling in Washington & Jefferson College, Ross was drafted into the U.S. Marine Corps in 1943.  Ross served on Midway Island and in the Central Pacific Theater during World War II and was discharged in 1945 having earned the rank of Sergeant.  After his service in World War II, he returned to Washington & Jefferson College and received a Bachelor of Arts in Economics in 1948.  Ross was a member of the Alpha Chapter of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity.  Ross began his career with the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. in Akron, OH, New York City, Harrisburg and Williamsport and later retired from United States Gypsum Company of New York, after 33 years of service.  Ross served as scoutmaster in Warwick, NY, for several years, and continued to serve as a committee member for the Boy Scouts of America while living in Mechanicsburg.  In May of 1951, Ross married Betty which was, as he proclaimed, “the best thing that ever happened to me”, and was blessed with four children and nine grandchildren.  He was fiercely proud of them all.  Ross’s most cherished possessions were the photos of his wife, children and grandchildren which he personally carried from one home to another over the years, never letting them out of his sight.  His family and friends will miss Ross greatly and will always remember him as a great man.

All are welcome to join Ross’s family at his memorial service on Monday, August 5, 2019, at 12:30 p.m. at the Chapel at Messiah Lifeways at Messiah Village, 100 Mount Allen Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; with Reverend George A. Spangler officiating.  Interment will immediately follow the service at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville, where military honors will be presented.  Cremation was private.

Ross’s family has entrusted his care to Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Ross’s full obituary, view his portrait, and sign his official guest book at Buhrig.com.