JD Evans age 59, of Northwest Arkansas, closed his eyes for the last time and stepped into his heavenly eternal home on Wednesday, June 28, 2023.  He was born on May 16, 1964, to Calvin Drew "Sonny" Evans and Maxie Carol Fennell.  He loved to help others and touched those around him in such a way as to leave a huge void in this world without him. JD was a diesel mechanic, he had a wealth of knowledge, a ton of experience, with a love for his craft.  His certifications included Cummins Engine, ASE Diesel Engine, Thermo King Refrigeration, Carrier Refrigeration, and many others.  The relationships he made while working will forever influence each person that he worked with. JD made a tremendous impact on those around him, and his hands told the story of a lifetime of hard labor. JD was a founding member of The Church of Northwest Arkansas. He was currently serving as an Associate Pastor for The Awakening Biker Church. His heart's desire was for others to know God as their personal Lord and Savior, in fact, his last message was entitled "Going Home." JD has finished his lifelong goal and is now at home with his Lord and Savior.  His life was not one of perfection... it was lived as a testament of God's Amazing Grace.  He found freedom in Christ, knowing that if God's grace was sufficient for him, it was sufficient for anyone. Amazing Grace was his anthem, and it was the song that most people requested for him to sing, in fact he is probably singing it with the angels right now.

He enjoyed life and "made memories" purposefully.  You could find him hunting. He loved being outdoors, riding his motorcycle and he loved to sing. He loved WWE wrestling; he loved being Dad, Poppy. He was satisfied to be Coach JD or "Just JD" who loved sitting in the crowd and loved  spending time with family and friends.  He was always joyful, always had smile on his face, he was kind, he loved to have fun and had a huge heart and he was always helping others. He was a silent, selfless servant not boasting about things he did for others. He loved God, He loved others, he loved his country and he loved BIG! His words of wisdom were "Never, Never Quit" and "Put your head down and keep moving forward" He did not quit and his ability to overcome the most difficult challenges of life was what lead everyone to believe this would be no different.  May we find comfort in knowing he received his heavenly healing.

JD was a mountain of a man. He loved big and had the gift of making everyone feel like family! He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Rhonda Shepherd Evans of the home; their son Dakota Evans (Julie) and children Brynlee, Barrett, and Braelyn. They are currently stationed in Virginia Beach, VA. His daughter, Clerissa Varela, and children Alex, who is expecting JD's great-grandchild, Marques, Gabriella, Sebastian, and Maverick.  Son, Tim Evans, (Maegan) and children Emelia, Bradley, and Cooper. Son, Jimmy Dean Evans, and children Jaeden, Allyssa and Haley. He was a "bonus Pops" to Jordan Shepherd (Sidney) and children Hunter Rose, Jordan Dakota, and Athena, all of Northwest Arkansas.  Brother, Dewayne Evans (Leslie); Sister, Alesha Chandler; both of Northwest Arkansas. Half & Stepsiblings, Cindy Alexander (Aaron) of Oklahoma, Josh Talsma and Johnny Don Evans of Northwest Arkansas. Mother-in-law, Peggy Sue Shepherd, of the home and Brother-in-law, Dewayne Shepherd. He also leaves a host of additional family members, forever-family, chosen-family, and friends. JD was preceded in death by his parents, Calvin D. (Sonny) Evans and Maxie C. Fennell, Maternal Grandparents Alva Albert Fennell, and Betty Lucille Lewis; Paternal Grandparents Calvin and Lola Alene Gosvener Evans, and Father-in-Law George Shepherd and many other family members and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be at 4:00 p.m. Saturday, July 15, 2023, at The House of Worship, 22194 AR-303, Hindsville Arkansas with Pastor Rick "Tater" Scott and Pastor Jerry Goolsby officiating.  The Celebration of Life will be streamed live on The Awakening Biker Church Facebook Page. Dress will be as JD would want – come as you are!

In the wake of this unexpected tragedy, The JD Evans Memorial Fund www.givesendgo.com/jdevansmemorial has been set up to allow those who have requested a way to support financially through this sudden loss.  JD will be deeply missed, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, hard-work, perseverance, and serving others.

No matter how you choose to honor JD's memory, we believe he would want us all to band together, love one another, share his memory, "Never, Never Quit", "Put our head down and keep moving forward" and help someone else.  JD would want everyone to remember this... "We Love You but we could never love you as much as Jesus does, and that's the truth."