It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Claude Edward "Ed" Evans, who left this world on May 19, 2026. Born in Laurel, Delaware, he was a son of the late Glen W. Evans and Margaret Workman Evans. Ed grew up in a small community and attended The Wheatley School, a cherished one-room schoolhouse in Galestown. He proudly served his country in the Army National Guard out of Bethany Beach and played a vital role in storm recovery during Hurricane Hazel in 1954.
Throughout his life, Ed was known for his strong work ethic and his varied career. In his younger years, he helped draw wells with his father and briefly owned Evans House Movers. He later enjoyed a successful career in the solutions department with DuPont in Seaford. A master of his craft, Ed was handy with tools-his love for woodworking and carpentry allowed him to create beautiful pieces that he treasured. His love for farming and horses brought him immense joy, and he passed this passion for the great outdoors on to his children and grandchildren.
Ed was an active participant in his community. He was a proud member of the Delmarva Driving Club and the First State Tractor Club, as well as a lifetime, honorary member of the Laurel Saddle Friends. He contributed to the founding of Plow Days, where he cherished working alongside his dear friend, The Reverend Oren Perdue. An avid collector of antiques, Ed had a particular fondness for tools, tractors, and farming equipment.
Claude Edward Evans will be remembered for his unwavering love for his Lord, his family, and his country. He is survived by his beloved spouse, Lois Eileen (Alsop) Evans, married January 11, 1958; their children; Margaret Ellen Dunn-Wilson, Martin Edward Evans, Richard Raymond Evans (Jolene), Susan Evans-Struve (Mark), and Lynn Lancaster (Francis); cherished grandchildren: Jessica Dunn, Jason Dunn (Brittainy Staley), Wayne Messick (Shannon Crockett), Shawn Messick (Lindsey), Ian Lankford (Cheyenne), Hannah Lankford, Ryder Evans, and Charli Rose Evans ; and beloved great grandchildren, Jayden Messick, Callen Messick, Sloane Messick, Grayson Messick, Gemma Messick and Haddlie Ray Dunn-Dolgos. He is also survived by a sister, Claudia Catherine Downes and many nieces, nephews and close friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Sharon Lee Evans; grandson, Levi Messick; and siblings, Glen William "Bill" Evans, Jr., Wesley Francis Evans, Barbara Mae Evans and Newell Joseph Evans.
Funeral services will be held at Short Funeral Home in Delmar on Friday, June 5, 2026, at 11:00 am, following a visitation which will be held on Thursday, June 4, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 7:00. Family and friends are invited to gather as we celebrate the life of a remarkable man whose legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. Interment will follow at St Stephen's Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Mt Hermon Plow Days, Inc., 32429 Mt Hermon Road, Salisbury, MD 21804, or First State Antique Tractor Club, c/o Marlene Givens, 11465 Sycamore Road, Laurel, DE 19956, or Laurel Saddle Friends, P.O. Box 6309, Laurel, DE 19956.
Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home of Delmar.
Posted online on May 22, 2026
Published in The Daily Times