Orville Evans, Jr.: 1943-2025

ST. JOSEPH, La. — Orville Lee “O.L.” Evans Jr., 81, passed away suddenly on August 13, 2025, in his hometown of St. Joseph, Louisiana, the same place where his story began on November 21, 1943.

A proud son of Tensas Parish, O.L. devoted his life to teaching, coaching, and shaping young lives. Over 25 years at J.S. Clark and Springhill Middle Schools, he wore many hats—P.E. teacher, football coach, track coach for both boys and girls, and girls’ basketball coach. One of his proudest achievements came in 1987–88, when his J.S. Clark Tigers football team went undefeated and unscored upon—a testament to his leadership and dedication.

Away from the field, O.L. found joy in simple pleasures and lifelong passions. A skilled golfer, he spent countless hours at Lake Bruin Country Club, where he hit multiple holes-in-one on his home course. In retirement, he took up woodworking, crafting wooden banks, mirrors, and keepsakes for friends and family. He was also a champion fantasy football player, a lover of “cowboy shows,” and a devoted fan of LSU athletics, the New Orleans Saints, and the New York Yankees.

After retiring from teaching in Shreveport, O.L. married Cecil Linda, and together they returned to St. Joseph, where he reconnected with small-town life. He was a loving father, a dedicated husband, and a member of St. Joseph First Baptist Church and the Lake Bruin Golf and Country Club.

O.L. is survived by his wife, Cecil Linda Evans; son, Christopher Evans; stepchildren, Wayne Auttonberry, Steven Auttonberry, Brett Auttonberry, and Sheri Conte; brother, Jimmy Evans; former wife, Patricia Evans; and grandchildren, Edward James Auttonberry, Paul Auttonberry, Hana Conte, and Ryan Conte. He was preceded in death by his parents, O.L. Evans Sr. and Della Evans; siblings, Virginia and David Foster, Rayburn Evans, Arlan Evans, Shirley Jones, and Brenda Greer.

A graveside service will be held at Legion Memorial Cemetery at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 16, 2025, immediately followed by a gathering at St. Joseph First Baptist Church. Bro. T.J. Boyd of St. Joseph First Baptist Church will officiate the service. Arrangements are being handled by Crothers-Glenwood Funeral Home in Tallulah, Louisiana.

Honorary pallbearers will be Benny Stansell, Kenneth McEacharn, Jimmy Evans, Joe Jones, Jerry Hall, Bill Baldwin, and Alan Ridder.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Orville Lee “O.L.” Evans, Jr., please visit Glenwood Funeral Home’s floral store.

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