Published on August 16, 2026 6:34 pm
Last Updated on August 16, 2026 6:34 pm
Harry Boyd Evans, Sr., 71, of Cowden, Illinois, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2026, at HSHS St. Anthony’s Hospital in Effingham, surrounded by the love of his family.
He was born on September 19, 1954, in Pana, the son of Charles and Marjorie (Peifer) Evans. Harry lived a life marked by hard work, loyalty, and a genuine care for others. He spent many years working at Evans Fertilizer and as a dispatcher for the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. In both roles, he was dependable, steady, and committed to doing his best. Those who knew him appreciated the way he carried himself with quiet strength and a willingness to help whenever he could. He was a man who found joy in the simple, meaningful things in life. Harry enjoyed fishing, spending time as a river rat, hunting, and barbecuing. He also took great pride in Hillbilly Harry’s BBQ and in cooking for benefits and gatherings that brought people together. Above all, he cherished time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchild, who brought him great happiness and pride. His love for family was evident in the way he showed up for them, cared for them, and made lasting memories with them.
Harry is survived by his mother, Marjorie (Frank) Osborne of Pana; his wife, Lorretta of Cowden; his daughter, Melissa (Tony) Pigott of Cowden; his son, Harry (Cindy) Evans Jr. of Mode; five grandchildren, Dylan (Joni) Evans of Tower Hill, Serenity and Caden Evans of Mode, and Olivia and Abel Pigott of Cowden; one great-grandchild, Linley Evans of Tower Hill; his siblings, Tammy (Tim) Culberson of Shelbyville, Tina West of Lakewood, Terri (Roy) Tull of Middlesworth, Cathy (Chuck) Lilly of Beecher City, and Jack Wallace of Bloomington; and his brother-in-law, Fred Honaker of West Liberty. He also leaves behind many extended family members and friends who will remember him with love and gratitude.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Harry and Beulah Peifer; his father and stepmother, Charles and Charlotte Evans; his stepfather, Roger Middleton; his son, Nick “Taz” Evans; his sister, Orla Jo Merriman; his brother, Randy Middleton; and his brother-in-law, Scott West.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at Lockart-Green Funeral Home in Cowden with Satch Thomas officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, August 17, 2026, at Lockart-Green Funeral Home in Cowden. Interment will take place in Mound Cemetery in rural Cowden. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the donor’s favorite charity. Friends and family are invited to light a candle or share a story at www.lockartgreenfuneralhome.com.