Rev. Elwood Evans

Rev. L. “Elwood” Evans, 91, of New Castle, went home to be with the Lord he so faithfully served on Saturday afternoon, January 17, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on September 27, 1934, in Soldier, Kentucky, a son of the late Morley and Tina (Withrow) Evans. Elwood grew up in Kentucky, where he was affectionately known by his family and friends as “Woody.” In 1954, he moved to New Castle, Indiana, and on January 7, 1955, he married the love of his life and faithful companion, Mildred Click, at the Morehead, Kentucky, courthouse. Together, they shared 71 years of devoted marriage. Elwood’s life was rooted in faith and service to the Lord. He was saved at the age of 14 and felt God’s call to preach at just 16. Shortly after moving to New Castle, he became pastor of the North 14th Street Church of God, where he faithfully shepherded the congregation for nearly 40 years. In 1991, he felt led to step away from full-time pastoring to assist his son, Rev. Rick Evans, in ministry—continuing his calling as a humble servant wherever he was needed. A hardworking provider, Rev. Evans retired from Ford Motor Company in Indianapolis in 1989 after 30 years of dedicated service. He was a member of UAW Local 111. Outside of ministry and work, Elwood found joy in simple pleasures. He greatly enjoyed driving his beloved Mercedes Gazelle kit car—affectionately known as “Chitty, Chitty, Bang Bang”—in the annual Henry County Memorial Day Parade. He loved playing pranks and was always quick with a good joke. He enjoyed woodworking in “Woody’s Woodshop,” where he made crafts and flag cases for others. Humble by nature, Elwood never sought recognition and was always content to take a back seat to others. He will be remembered as kind, caring, and compassionate—a faithful servant of the Lord whose life reflected quiet strength, genuine love, and unwavering faith. Those left to cherish Elwood’s memory include his beloved wife, Mildred Evans; his three children, Rev. Rick (Debbie) Evans, Teresa (Stephen) Hacker, and Frances (Kevin) Bowsman, all of New Castle; 12 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; two brothers, Rollie “Pete” (Linda) Evans of Ashland, Kentucky and Billy Evans of Mansfield, Ohio; a sister, Rita Click of Norwood, Ohio; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Elwood was preceded in death by five brothers, Daniel “DJ,” Loyd, Lenford, Drew “Jimmy,” and Clinton Evans, and an infant brother, Ollie. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Sproles Family Funeral Home, with his son, Rev. Rick Evans, and Pastor Elijah Wagoner officiating. Burial will follow at Green Hills Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. You may send the family a personal condolence at www.sprolesfamilycares.com. The Sproles family and staff are honored to serve the family of Rev. Elwood Evans.

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Rev. Elwood Evans

September 27, 1934 - January 17, 2026