From left, Kosciusko Veteran Affairs Officer Rich Maron, Kosciusko County Commissioner Vice-President Bob Conley, Commissioner Cary Groninger, Veteran of the Month Larry Evans (holding plaque) and Commissioner President Brad Jackson. InkFreeNews photo by Lasca Randels

By Lasca Randels
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — Larry L. Evans of Warsaw was honored as Veteran of the Month at the Kosciusko County Commissioners meeting Tuesday, Nov. 10.

Larry Evans pictured during his time in the military. Photo provided.

Evans was born Nov. 14, 1946, to Ralph and Betty Evans. He grew up four miles south of Warsaw, where he attended Claypool schools, graduating in 1965. 

He enlisted in the United States Air Force on April 21, 1966. Evans was sent to Homestead Air Force Base. His high school sweetheart, Joyce Starner, joined him there and the two were married on July 20, 1966.

Evans’ military occupational specialty was vehicle body repair. He was stationed at Homestead AFB in Florida with the 354th Trans Squadron. He spent two years and nine months there before being reassigned to Kunsan AFB in Gunsan, South Korea, for one year.

Evans achieved the rank of sergeant E-4 before completing his enlistment and being discharged in April 1972. 

After his discharge, Evans spent the next 11 years working for Nipsco; however, his dream since childhood was to be an auctioneer. Evans decided to pursue his dream and obtained his auctioneer license.

In 1981, he was presented with the opportunity to become a full-time auctioneer. He started his own business, Evans Auction Services, Inc. 

Evans conducted five to six automobile auctions per week for 35 years, working throughout Indiana and Michigan. 

With 47 years of experience, Evans continues to do auctions for Metzger Property Services LLC. 

He and Joyce celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary in July 2020. 

They are the proud parents of two daughters: Angela (and husband Joe) Hughes, and Deborah ‘Debbie’ Evans. They also have five grandchildren: David, Matthew, Jacob, Jamie and Jessie, and three great-grandchildren: Bentley, Alice and Julian.

Evans’ daughter, Debbie, recalls fond memories of family fishing vacations and trips to Cedar Point, Kings Island and Disney World.

“Family was definitely the center of my childhood,” Debbie said. “Dad taught my sister and I to work hard, be honest and treat others with respect. He’s one of the hardest working people I’ve ever known. He’s a great dad and grandpa.”

Kosciusko County Veteran Affairs Officer Rich Maron presented Evans with a plaque, inscribed with the following words: “Kosciusko County awards the Veteran of the Month to Larry L. Evans in recognition for his outstanding contribution to the mission of serving the people of the United States and the residents of Kosciusko County in his honorable service as a member of the United States Air Force.”

Joyce and Larry Evans celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in 2016. Photo provided

Front row, from left, Angie Hughes and Bentley Barfell; second row, from left, Bethany Hughes, Joyce Evans, Jean Seiffert; back rows, from left, Jacob Barfell, Carina Rodriguez, Jamie Hughes, Joe Hughes, Debbie Evans, Matthew Barfell, Tim Secrist and Larry Evans. Not pictured are: David Barfell, Jessica Hughes and Julian Barfell. Photo provided