Orlynn Reece Evans, 89, died Nov. 9, 2024, in Granbury, Texas. He was born Oct. 2, 1935 in Gardner, Kan., to Leona Howell Evans and Harry D. Evans. His ashes will be spread in the Rocky Mountains. A tombstone has been placed in Vandalia, Mo., cemetery.

His parents moved to Columbia, Mo., in 1948 where Orlynn graduated from Hickman High and the University of Missouri. In 1961, he graduated from Midwestern Baptist Seminary in Kansas City, Mo., and in 1972, earned a PH.D from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind.

Orlynn married Evelyn Gatson of Vandalia, Mo., Feb 8, 1957, at Calvary Baptist Church in Columbia, Mo. They celebrated 67 years of marriage in 2024.

Orlynn pastored churches in Missouri and Iowa and taught in Olathe, Kan., before he and his family went to Liberia, W. Africa as educational missionaries in 1970. When they returned to the U.S. in 1978, Orlynn taught at Arkansas Tech in Russellville, Ark., and then at Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches, Texas, for 17 years until he retired in May 2000.

Orlynn was known for his love of travel and belonged to several RV groups. He was an advocate for his grandchildren and took five of them to various locations in Europe as well as many trips around the U.S.

Orlynn was active in Kiwanis in Nacogdoches and later in Round Rock, Texas. After he moved to Hutto, Texas, to be near his daughters and their families he was secretary of Lions Club. In 2008, he was appointed as Williamson County representative on the CAPCOG Solid Waste Advisory Board. At the time of his death, he was a member of First Baptist Church of Round Rock, Texas.

Orlynn’s parents and sister Carroll Medford died earlier. Orlynn is survived by his wife, Evelyn, of Granbury, Texas; three children: Elise Reaves and husband David of Granbury, Texas, Dwight Evans and wife Camie of Tyler, Texas, Denise Orsborn and husband Bryan of Leander, Texas; and grandchildren: Lindsey Lohr and husband Brett of Portland, Oregon, Sarah Wade and husband Chase of Bedford, Texas, Rebekah Ross and husband Bailey of Tyler, Texas, A.J. Evans and wife Baylie of Tyler, Texas, Daniel Orsborn of Georgetown, Texas. and Nathan Orsborn of Leander, Texas. Orlynn is also survived by two great granddaughters Kathryn Wade and Avery Ross and one great grandson, Ellis Ross. He is survived by his brother, Harry Evans of Santa Ana, Calif.

The family wishes to thank the caregivers at Bridgewater Memory Care, Waterview The Cove Memory Care and Interim Hospice Healthcare for the great care, compassion and dignity they provided to Orlynn in his last years. In lieu of flowers, you may choose to donate to First Baptist Church, Round Rock, Texas, Mission Fund. A family celebration of his life will be held later.