Louis Evans

Mr. Louis Charles "Melvin" Evans, 70, of Gulfport, died Sunday, August 27, 2017.
He was a native and longtime resident of Gulfport and a graduate of Gulfport High School. Mr. Evans served in the U. S. Air Force and Air National Guard, until an injury which caused him to be honorably discharged. Melvin owned two service stations for many years, and after closing those service stations, he became the general manager of The Catfish Shak and T-Bones Steak and Rib House. After the closing of those businesses, Mr. Evans went to work for the City of Gulfport as the liaison. He was so proud of Gulfport, a city he truly loved, and was recently recognized with the "Melvin Evans Service Award", which will be awarded each year to a deserving City employee. Although many referred to him as "Mr. Gulfport", Melvin was well known for many years as the City's Santa Claus, which he so enjoyed doing. He was a lifetime Kiwanian, serving as past Lt. Governor of the LA, MS, and W.TN district, with 42 years of perfect attendance until his health forced him to choose between the Kiwanis Club and Boy Scouts. He chose the Boys Scouts. Melvin was a strong believer that the Boy Scouts was the best "gang" to be in. He was an Eagle Scout and received several awards including the Pine Burr Award and the Silver Beaver. He was a vigil member of the Order of the Arrow, and Scoutmaster of Troop 333. He was also a lifetime member of the Girl Scouts. If he only molded one boy's life, then he felt he had succeeded. However, there are many boys that can testify that Melvin impacted their life and made them who they are today. Mr. Evans was a member of St. Mark's Episcopal Church.
Survivors include his wife, Debbie Evans of Gulfport; three children John (Irene) Evans, Kelly Evans and Katie Grove; three grandchildren, Bailey, Lori, and "Bear" Dylan; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mr. Evans was preceded in death by his parents, Milton T. Evans and Nellie Weisenburg Evans; and a brother, John Patton Evans.
The family would like to thank the staff of St. Joseph's Hospice for the excellent care and making Melvin's last days as comfortable as possible.
A memorial service will be held at 10 am at St. Mark's Episcopal Church on Saturday, September 2, 2017. Visitation will be held from 8:30 am until service time in the church's Parish Hall. There will be a Broken Arrow Ceremony held at a later date at Camp T'iak.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Pine Burr Area Council of Boys Scouts of America, 1318 Hardy Street, Hattiesburg, MS 39401.
The RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport, is serving the family and an online guestbook may be signed at www.riemannfamily.com