Sgt. Maj. Reuben Evans

Published 12:40 pm Friday, January 15, 2021

Sgt. Major Reuben André Evans passed away in New Iberia on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021 at the age of 74. He was born in Bogalusa on Aug. 19, 1946, to the late Milton Edwin Sr. and Ruby Hyde Evans. He was the eldest of nine children. He came from a family where Christian values were taught. His Christian baptism was at Annunciation Catholic Church in Bogalusa. Growing up he also attended Salter Chapel A.M.E. Church in Bogalusa, where his father was a member. Reuben graduated from Central Memorial High School with honors in 1964. He received a bachelor’s degree in French with a minor in Spanish from Grambling State University. He enlisted into the U. S. Army during the Vietnam War and served in Military Intelligence. He was a specialist in linguistics, and these special skills offered many opportunities to aid our country overseas in times of war and peace. He was stationed in Germany for many years and served in the Gulf War against Iraq. He retired from the U.S. Army, receiving many honors and awards, with 24 years of service.

Reuben leaves to cherish his loving memories: his devoted wife of 51 years, Sadie Mae Washington Evans and two sons, Joseph Milton Andre Evans (LaTeacha) of Arnaudville, and Justin Paul Evans of St. Martinville; one grandson, Justin Jacob Pierre Evans; seven sisters, Miltonia Butler of Baton Rouge, Theresa Ross (Cedric) of Minneapolis, Minn., Glenda Evans Williams of Gretna, Lolita Watkins (Michel) of Bloomington, Ill., Joan Johnson (Aaron) of Harvey, Judy Hayes (Malcolm) Hayes of Dallas, Ga., and Jill Nicole Evans Smith of Bogalusa; his younger brother, Milton Edwin Evans Jr. of Ruffin, S.C.; sister-in-law, Jacqueline Washington Boutte; brother-in-law, Dennis Washington; three aunts, Katherine Evans Darden, Natalie Evans (Henry) Killings of Carson, Calif., Sylvia Evans (Richard) Powell of Albion, Mich.; and many loving cousins, nieces, nephews and long-lasting friends who will dearly remember and miss his wonderful presence.

Reuben was preceded in death by his parents, Milton Edwin Sr. and Ruby Hyde Evans; grandparents, Leo and Cara Thomas Hyde, Solomon and Lela Thomas Evans; father and mother-in-law, Joseph Washington and Alberta Washington; and his grandson, Jacob Andre Evans.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt appreciation and thanks to the dedicated medical staff at Iberia General Hospital and Medical Center. The funeral service is pending due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Arrangements are by Fletcher Funeral Home of New Iberia. Condolences may be expressed online at www.fletcherfuneralhomes.org.