Obituary of Carl H. Evans

Carl Evans,97, of 821 Lake Port Blvd.Leesburg,Fl,and former 45 year resident of Cortland,N.Y.and Professor of Music at State University College, Cortland. Carl was born on September 2, 1916 in Peekskill. N.Y. son of George D. and Anna B. Evans; the youngest of six children. He was a 1933 graduate of Peekskill High School, and an Honors graduate of the Crane School of Music, SUNY College at Potsdam with a B.S in 1938. His first teacing position was at the Central, Jr.Sr. High School in Cobleskill, N.Y., as well as Choir Dir. of the Methodist Church. On 30 Nov. 1940, he was in the first draft for WWII and was inducted into the 114th Inf. Reg. of the 44th Div. at Fort Dix, NJ and in two months, became a member of the 114th Inf. Band, playing trumpet. Subsequently was stationed in Clairborne, LA. and Ft. Lewis, Tacoma, WA. In 1942 he transferred into the Army Air Force. In 1943, received his Wings, Commission as a Lt.,and married Eleanor Burnett, all in the same day, in Douglas, AZ. Subsequently, in Roswell, NM. he completed his flight training in the B17 Heavy Bomber, and immediately was retained as a Flight Instructor. In early 1945, he became a Pilot Instructor in the B29, and received his post war discharge from the service in Dec. 1945. This was followed by receiving an M.A. from Teachers Collage at Columbia Univ. and a subsequent position in music in JR. H.S, Ann Arbor Mich, until 1948. From here he moved to Cortland, NY, teaching in the Music Dept. until retirement in 1978. Served responsibilities as Band Director, Choral Director, and principally as Prof, of Music History and Literature. He received his Ph.D from Northwestern Univ. in 1958. Both his wife Eleanor and he received an Honorary Alumni Award from Potsdam in 1968. In addition to involvement with many committees and activities at the College, both he and Eleanor were involved with community activities. Carl directed the Choir at First Methodist Church for sixteen years; a Past Pres. of Cortland Exchange Club; Past President and member of Cortland Rotary Club 32 years. Eleanor was active with the Church, Ladies Literary Club, Commwolei, AAUW, and taught Music in Parker Elem. School for many years. Both retired in 1978, spending 13 years of winter season living at Six Lakes Golf & Country Club, Ft. Myers, FL.where Carl formed and directed three Choral Groups; and 4 years in Ormond Beach, FL. Retirement years were enriched by world wide travels to include 36 countries. In 1996, they moved to Lake Port Square, a Retirement Center in Leesburg Fla. Eleanor was deceased in Jun. 2001. While here, Carl has been active in presenting a Music Appreciattion Class and a Discussion Group monthly for fellow residents. Hobbies have included golf, bridge, photography and building of fine Cherry and Walnut furniture and accessories, and a large sound system with extensive recordings and tapes,etc. He is survived by his sons Eric, of Louisville, KY, Richard (Mary) of Massena, NY, daughter Janice (John) Smith of Decatur Il.8 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren. Calling hours will be held Tuesday from 10:00 am - 11:00 am at the Wright-Beard Funeral Home 9 Lincoln Ave. Graveside services will follow in Cortland Rural Cemetery , where Carl will be reunited with his Wife Eleanor. to offer online condolences visit www.wright-beard.com