Willard Winfory Evans, age 89, passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family on September 12, 2026. He was the son of the late Asa and Ida Evans of Casey County. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 11 brothers and sisters.

Willard proudly served his country as a member of the US Army 3rd Infantry Old Guard, serving in Washington D.C. He was a member of the Color Guard greeting Nikita Khrushchev at Andrews Air Force Base in 1959. He marched in the inaugural parade of John F. Kennedy, served as a guard during the SEATO conference at the Pentagon and served as a member of the Honor Guard for military funerals at Arlington Cemetery. He was also a Kentucky Colonel. He was a dedicated employee of Indiana University for 31 years.

After retiring in 1993, he and his wife of 64 years, Linda Lee Evans, moved to Lincoln County and restored a historic farmhouse where he spent 32 happy years. Willard accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior late in life and was comforted by his faith during his long illness.

He is survived by his wife: Linda; his son: Mark (Shelley) Evans; his daughter Pam (Marty) Goins; three granddaughters: Victoria (Levi) Lee, Abigail Blondell, and Katie (Kirk) Fleming; and six great grandchildren: Emmitt, Jasper, Corbin, Tatum, James, and Nora whom he loved dearly. He is also survived by two sisters: Dollie Lucas and Betty Downey; and one brother: Buford (Mary) Evans.

He will be remembered for his kindness, work ethic, integrity and loving devotion to his family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Hustonville Baptist Church food bank (9959 KY HWY 78, Hustonville 40437) or Galilean Home Ministries (712 South Fork Church Rd., Liberty 42539).

Visitation will be on Wednesday, September 16 at 11:00am-1:00pm with the funeral service at 1:00pm at W.L. Pruitt Funeral Home with Bro. Andrew McGinnis and Bro. Brad Padgett officiating. A burial will follow at Glenwood Cemetery in Liberty.

Guestbook is available at www.wlpruitt.com.