Maynard Benjamin Evans

Maynard Benjamin Evans III died peacefully at home with his wife Carol on May 11, 2024.  He had been in and out of hospitals and rehab units since being diagnosed in early January with a spinal bone infection.  He and loved ones were grateful he was home briefly before going to God’s nearer presence.

Maynard was born June 25, 1936 to Ruth and Maynard Evans, Jr. in Detroit, Michigan, the first of their three children.  He is survived by his daughter Britt Cooper (Mike and their son, Hudson); his son Jeff Evans (Crystal and his children Nick {Brynna and their son, Iverson}, Madison, and Grayson); daughter-in-law Jennifer Evans; grandchildren Selby, Hanna, Dayton, Benji, Dustyn, and Isaac; great-grandchildren Tatum, Enarah, Iverson Reid Benjamin, and Maynard B. Evans the 5th (Bennie); brother-in-law Neil Hargrave; and several nieces, nephews, and their families.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Maynard Jr. and Ruth; stepfather Herb Miles; his sister Elizabeth Hargrave and brother Peter Evans.  He was deeply grieved and heartbroken over the death of his son Ben in 2018 and daughter Amy in 2024.

Maynard earned a bachelor’s degree from Valparaiso and did graduate work at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.  He worked as a mortgage banker and taught real estate law classes.  After moving to Ohio, he thought it would be fun to get a bus driver’s license.  He drove a Kent City Schools bus for special needs children and became a bus driving instructor.  Throughout life Maynard was involved in volunteer work which included being a worship leader and lector at church.  He helped establish the Louisville, Ky. Dream Factory program for terminally ill children, and he was a long-time hospice volunteer in Ravenna.  He was a real extrovert who enjoyed being with people.  He had a great sense of humor that made even his nurses and doctors laugh.  He loved and cherished time with his children and family more than anything, whether face to face visits or just talking on the phone.  He and ‘the kids’ would laugh as they recalled camping trips and vacation/road trips he took them on, including a long drive to Mexico in an R.V.   He loved to travel and was especially fond of Ireland.  He was a loving, faithful husband to Carol throughout their 33 years of marriage.  Together they both enjoyed life’s blessings and endured life’s difficulties.  Maynard was a good-hearted person whom people found easy to like.  His primary care doctor described him as an ‘amazing and spirited man.’   Loved ones and friends experienced his good heart and amazing spirit in a variety of ways.

Maynard has long been a man of faith.  He was a member of Grace Episcopal Church and was a great supporter of his wife’s ministry there.  He was active when able, and he loved the Grace Church family.  Since his health problems began, the Sunday Coffee Hour hosts would send him treats to enjoy; members would send their good thoughts; and they kept him in prayer faithfully, and that always made him smile. A Memorial Service with Communion and a celebration of Maynard's life will be held at 11am, June 29th at Grace Episcopal Church, 250 W. Cedar Ave., Ravenna  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Grace Episcopal Church, 250 W. Cedar Ave; Ravenna, OH.  44266. Condolences and memories of Maynard may be shared at www.sscfuneralhomes.com.