EVANS, JACK W.

DAVENPORT ” Services for Jack W. Evans, 78, of Davenport, will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Davenport. Burial will be in National Cemetery, Rock Island Arsenal.

Visitation is 4-8 p.m. Tuesday at Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home, Davenport, with a rosary recited at 7 p.m.

Mr. Evans died Wednesday, Dec. 31, 1997, at Iowa Veterans Home, Marshalltown.

He was born Dec. 21, 1919, in Moline, to William F. and Theresa (Eggers) Evans.

Mr. Evans joined his father, William Evans, in his concrete contracting company. In 1954 he took over operation of the business and formed Evans Construction Company, Davenport, retiring in 1988.

During World War II, he served in the Marines. He was a member of the 2nd Marine Raider Battalion, Carlson’s Raiders, under the supervision of Maj. James Roosevelt. They were a highly specialized, independent strike force designed to destroy the enemy stronghold in the South Pacific.

He received two Purple Hearts and was highly decorated. He participated in the Midway Island Campaign, Bougainville, Guadalcanal, and Iwo Jima, where he was severely injured by a phosphorous mortar round.

Mr. Evans was a member of the Elks Lodge, Disabled American Veterans, Knights of Columbus 532, and Veterans of Foreign Wars, all in Davenport.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the U.S. Marine Reserves “Toys for Tots” Fund or Handicapped Development Center, Davenport.

Survivors include his brother, Steve D. Evans, Scottsdale, Ariz.; a close companion, Karen Mitchell, East Moline; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Irma Gustafson. May they rest in peace.