Rodger Wayne Evans

Rodger Wayne Evans

Rodger Evans, age 76, of Matador TX was delivered into the arms of his savior on Tuesday April 23,2019. His last days were spent surrounded by family and friends, and he passed peacefully after battling illness and hospitalization for the last couple of months.  His family will welcome visitors on Saturday April 27th at 1:00p.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Matador.  The funeral service will begin at 2:00p.m, immediately following visitation, with Reverend Chuck Harrison officiating.  Burial will follow at East Mound Cemetery in Matador under the direction of Zapata Funeral Home.  Pallbearers include Travis Dougherty, Micheal Scott, Tobey Scott, Bailey Dougherty, Ryder Dougherty, and Brady Scott.

Rodger is preceded in death by his parents, and survived by two sisters, Margaret Scott & Kathy Scott of Lubbock TX; one niece, Sharie Dougherty of Houston TX; two nephews, Micheal Scott of Lubbock TX and Tobey Scott of Clarksville TN; 3 great-nieces and 7 great-nephews.

Rodger was born in Pasadena TX to Walter & Elga Evans on November 2, 1942, and moved to Matador in 1951.  Ever the shy one in his class, he was diligent in his schoolwork and had wisdom beyond his years.  He took seriously the responsibility of protecting his two little sisters and always managed to find a way to make them feel special.  He graduated from Matador High School in 1962, and has lived in this beloved community ever since.

Rodger wore many hats in the community.  He was Carpenter, Painter, Roofer, Handy-man, Landlord, and Antique Collector, among others.  Perhaps the best-known hat Rodger wore was Servant, as everyone knew him to be tremendously generous and always available to help anyone in need.  His happiness was found in being outdoors… working hard on the project of the day, riding his bike through town, laboring in his yard, and many times even sleeping under the breeze of his screened-in porch.  His pride was in being the big brother to Margaret and Kathy who provided him with a niece and two nephews whom he adored.  Rodger’s love and devotion to his family was undeniable.  In his later years, he was frequently found among friends at the Senior Citizens Center or worshiping at the First United Methodist Church.  Rodger loved Matador; the people, the buildings, the history, the land, and his legacy will surely include being a humble servant of the community. 

Rodger lived with eyes wide-open… he loved the colors of the wildflowers and the sunsets, he could easily see the needs of others, and he saw beauty in the scraps of this world.  Rarely did he find an old chest of drawers or discarded knick-knack that he couldn’t find loveliness in.

Rodger lived with a heart of humility… he didn’t need much, he didn’t put on airs to impress, he didn’t notice rich or poor, the color of skin, the dirt under fingernails, or the scars of the past.  His life was simple, and his great wealth was found in loving others.

Rodger lived with hands & feet like Jesus… he found purpose in doing for others, he didn’t check his calendar for conflicts or consider the weather, he just extended his hands and made every life he touched better than it was the day before.

Rodger lived out the word of God in Micah 6:8; “And what does the Lord require of you?  To ACT JUSTLY and to LOVE MERCY and to WALK HUMBLY with your God.”  Despite his petite stature and meek demeanor, he sure did live a tremendously big life of integrity, love, and humility.  For his friends and family, the ultimate joy is knowing that Rodger has received his reward… stacks upon stacks upon stacks of crowns in heaven.