Lee E. Evans, 86, passed away March 17, 2017, at Merit Health River Region in Vicksburg. He was a member of Gibson Memorial United Methodist Church.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Martha Evans; his parents, James Evans Sr. and Verna Robinson Evans; four brothers, James Evans Jr., Jesse Evans, Robert Evans, Melvin Evans; and two sisters, Madge Gillis and Dolly Gillis.

He is survived by a son, Paul Evans; a daughter, Lee Tidwell; three grandchildren, Blake Tidwell, Morgan Tidwell and Paula Evans; three great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Jimmy Evans and Sidney Evans.

He served four years in the United States Air Force during the Korean War.

He was employed for 39 years with the Illinois Central Railroad. He served as local chairman of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers for 18 years, and was secretary-treasurer for 12 years for the general committee.

During his railroad career, he was the last fireman to ever fire a steam engine in the Vicksburg railroad yard during the transition from steam engines to diesel locomotives.

A self-taught naturalist and avid sportsman, he greatly enjoyed the outdoors and spent much time teaching his children, grandchildren and nephews about wildlife and natural flora and fauna.

Funeral services will be Monday, March 20, 201,7 at 3 p.m. at Riles Funeral Home.  Visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m. at the funeral home.

Burial will be in Greenlawn Gardens Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Gibson Memorial United Methodist Church.