Michael J. Evans, 35, of Mount Carmel, Illinois, passed away Thursday, December 27, 2018.  He was born July 28, 1983 in Mount Carmel the son of John and Jane (Marcum) Evans.  Michael was a graduate of Mount Carmel High School class of 2002.

Michael was a gifted machinist employed full time at B & D Independence and he owned and operated Evans Machining.  Michael graduated from Vincennes University and following his college graduation he was employed at Caterpillar in Peoria, Illinois, before returning to Mount Carmel.  As a young man, Michael attained the rank of Eagle Scout and continued on as Cameron’s assistant Scout Master.  Michael enjoyed the outdoors and was avid hunter and fisherman.  He was a great story teller.  Michael loved to be around his family and would drop everything to lend a helping hand. He was known to have a smile that will never be forgotten. Most of all, Michael’s greatest joy was being a dad.  He was a member of Community Church of God.  Michael will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Michael will be lovingly remembered by his son, Cameron Evans; daughter, Kennedie Evans; parents, John and Jane Evans; siblings, Ben Evans and his wife Shawn, Josh Evans and his wife Lucy, Maria McIntire and her husband Brian; paternal grandmother, Mary Margaret Evans; and many loved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and friends.

Michael was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Lloyd Evans; maternal grandparents, Ronald and Thelma Marcum; uncle, Ronnie Marcum.

Family and friends are invited to gather for Visitation from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Monday, December 31, 2018 at The Community Church of God, 1532 College Drive, Mount Carmel, Illinois.

Funeral Services will be 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 1, 2019 at Community Church of God with Pastor Joy Sherman officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made in Michael’s memory to The Michael Evans Memorial Fund established at First Bank to aid Michael’s children in their future education.  Envelopes will be at the Church or can be mailed to Keepes Funeral Home, 1500 North Cherry Street, Mount Carmel, IL 62863.

Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements.  To view Michael’s tribute wall, purchase flowers and leave condolences for the Evans family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com