WAYNE TERRELL “GOATROPER” EVANS
Wayne Terrell Evans, of Logansport, Louisiana rode off into the sunset and sat at the feet of his Heavenly Father at the age of 79 on August 25, 2021, surrounded by his family after a short illness.
He worked in dairies, pipe yards, roofing, plumbing and as a “Big Rig” driver from his early teenage years until he retired 5 years ago. His son, Jimmy Evans took him for his last ride on the “Big Rig” from Mansfield, Louisiana to Logansport, Louisiana on Thursday, August 26th, 2021. His longtime driving partner, John “Lumberjack” Mathis and grandsons, J.R. Brown and Brandon Childress joined the last ride in their “Big Rigs” along with the rest of the family.
Celebration of life service was held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 28, 2021, at Bethel United Methodist Church in Logansport, Louisiana with visitation from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday, August 27, 2021. Rev. Dean Register and Bro. Frankie Mathis officiated the service. His grandson, Tommy Amox drove Wayne’s team pulling his covered wagon for Wayne last covered wagon ride to his final resting place next to the love of his life, Helen Evans at Bethel Cemetery in Logansport, Louisiana. All of Wayne’s grandsons, great-grandson’s and great-great grandsons served as the Pallbearers. The walked behind the covered wagon as they made their way to the final destination.
Born October 31, 1941, in Stanley, Louisiana, he is the son of Floyd Johnston Evans and Berta Estelle Thurman. His children always joked with him that the witches brought him. Wayne, better known as Pop or Goatroper, was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend. Wayne never met a stranger and had many lifelong friends. His smile was contagious, and those baby blue eyes were so beautiful and heartwarming. Wayne had a passion for horses since his childhood. He continued with his for horses, spending numerous hours caring, riding and even teaching his children and grandchildren to ride. He is the proud owner of three horses, two of which pull his covered wagon.
In addition, Wayne loved working with cedar wood , building cedar chest, rocking chairs, double rockers, gun cabinets, swings, coolers, trash cans, etc. After a lifelong truck driving career, he retired about 5 years ago. Deciding he needed something to fill his time, he took up building things out of cedar wood.
He also took lengthy rides on his covered wagon. He would load his grandchildren into the wagon and take them for a ride.
Wayne was predeceased by his father, Floyd Johnston Evans of Longstreet, Louisiana; his mother, Berta Estelle Thurman of Modesto, California; Sister, Charlotte Wash of Long street, Louisiana; brother, Robert “Bob” Evans of Mansfield, Louisiana; brother-in-law, James Albert Curry; two nephews, Scott Lynch of Grand Cane, Louisiana and Shane Evans of Modesto, California; and niece, Ginger Evans Cordova of Logansport, Louisiana.
He is survived by his son, Jimmy Evans and wife, Brenda of Grand Cane, Louisiana; daughters, Debbie Amox and husband, Michael of Logansport, Louisiana; and Mary Brown and husband, Butch of Joaquin, Texas. Wayne is also survived by 11 grandchildren – Jimmy R. Evans of Deadwood, Texas; Johnathon Amox, Sr. and wife, Tracie of Tenaha, Texas; Michael Amox II and wife, Stephanie of Logansport, Louisiana; Thomas Amox and wife, Melinda of Joaquin, Texas; Ashley Loftin and husband, Allen of Joaquin, Texas; Dustin Clark of Joaquin, Texas; Kristine Gulotta and husband, Dave of Springfield, Louisiana; Patricia “Nikki” Diaz of Carthage, Texas; April Childress and husband, Brandon of Joaquin, TX; Johnny “J.R.” Brown and wife, Katie of Joaquin, Texas; and Steven Huskey and wife Linsey of Huxley, Texas.
He is also survived by 36 great-grandchildren – Nina Stevenson and husband, LaDarius of Mansfield, Louisiana; Emily Hubier and husband, Cole of Mansfield, Louisiana; Johnathon Amox, Jr. and wife Cayla of Logansport, Louisiana; Trent Amox of Marshall, Texas; Zachary Amox of Tenaha, Texas; Jason Urbina of Joaquin, Texas; Dakotah Carroll of Center, Texas; Gabriella and Lilly Amox of Logansport, Louisiana; Daniel Stillwell of Coushatta, Louisiana; Bradley and Destany Amox of Jonesboro, Louisiana; Levi, Emma and Henry Hatcher of Joaquin, Texas; Layla, Allayna, Isabella and Nelly Loftin of Joaquin, Texas; Dustyn Brown and wife, Haley of Joaquin, Texas; Charles Carroll of Joaquin, Texas; Hunter Carroll of Center, Texas; Lane and Emerald Glaze of Joaquin, Texas; Levi Childress of Joaquin, Texas; Jaycee, Kylie and Macie Metcalf of Joaquin, Texas; Justyn, Jaylyn, Jaydyn, Sadie and Benson Brown of Joaquin, Texas; Dawson, Annie and Buster Gulotta of Springfield, Louisiana; and 3 great-great-grandchildren – LaDarius and Mia Stevenson of Mansfield, Louisiana and Johnathon Amox III of Logansport, Louisiana.
Wayne is also survived by his sister, Maxine Lynch and husband, Steve of Grand Cane, Louisiana; his brother, Curtis Evans and wife, Beverly of Keachi, Louisiana; Sister-in-law, Sarah Alford and husband, Johnny Alford of Logansport, Louisiana; brother-in-law, Blanchard “B.L.” Curry and wife, Susie of Boerne, Texas along with a host of nieces, nephews and special friends.
Wayne was a lifelong member of the Longstreet Baptist Church. He used to joke with his kids and tell them “unless they kicked me out and didn’t tell me.” Donations may be made in memory of Wayne to the Bethel Cemetery fund.
