ACCOVILLE, W.Va. — John E. Evans, 33, of Accoville, departed this life Thursday, March 24, 2011, surrounded by his loving family, from Thomas Memorial Hospital in South Charleston after an extended illness.

Born May 19, 1977, at Man, he was a son of the late John Gilco and the late Carolyn Church. He was adopted by his aunt and uncle, Angeline “Angie” Gilco Evans of Accoville and the late Ricky L. Evans, who raised him from the age of three weeks.

Also preceding him in death were his paternal grandparents, Tom and Addilee Blankenship Gilco; one uncle, Terry Gilco, and cousins, Tamara Gilco, David Aaron Gilco, Austin Lovins, Isaac Harris, and Jennifer LeAnn Evans.

John loved to spend time outside walking and enjoying nature. He never met a stranger and talked to everyone who crossed his path.

Additionally, those left to cherish his memory include two sons, Zachary and Jacob, both of Crooked Creek; the mother of his children, Tabithia Fields of Crooked Creek; three brothers, Greg (Jessica) Evans of Billings, Mont., and Russell Evans and Ricky (Carol) Evans, both of Accoville; one half-brother, Michael Church of Pineville; a very special cousin and caretaker, Tommy Lee Gilco of Mill Creek; a special cousin who watched over him throughout his life, Jeananne Gilco of Accoville; his best friend and uncle, Alvin Gilco of Accoville; many nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

Services will commence at 1 p.m. Thursday, March 31, at the Mt. Olive Freewill Baptist Church at Accoville Hollow with Rev. John T. Viars officiating and eulogy read by Tommy Gilco. Burial will follow in Highland Memory Gardens at Godby.

Pallbearers will be family and friends.

Visitation will be from 4-10 p.m. Wednesday and one hour prior to services Thursday at the church.

Condolences may be left at www.krantzmcneelyfuneralhome.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Krantz-McNeely Funeral Home at Man.