Wilford G. "Cotton" Evans, of Camp Air, passed away on Tuesday, October 23, at the age of 86. Mr. Evans is survived by his children Hal Evans of Brady, Paul Evans and wife Sylvia of Dublin and Gayle Evans Smart of Camp Air. He is also survived by two sisters Mary Ellen Evans of Llano and May Beth Chew of Mason, four grandchildren W. Gary Evans and wife Karol, Justin Burch and wife Bandi, Zane Smart and Jennifer and Treva Smart, nine great-grandchildren Jody, Alana and Jenna Evans, Zachary, Jaden, Asa, Ava and Tristan Smart and Derek Burch. "Cotton" was preceded in death by his beloved wife Jo Taff Evans, three sisters Mildred Ziriax, Mozelle Bracy and Doris Beasley and two brothers Bill and Chimp Evans.

"Cotton" was born in eastern McCulloch County on December 4, 1925 to Hugh Evans and Julia Kirkpatrick Evans. He was raised in the Katemcy area and rode a mule (the four legged not four wheel kind) to school at Katemcy. He served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II building bridges with the engineers. After the war he continued to build bridges for construction companies around the state. On April 19, 1952 he married Jo Wandolyn Taff. Cotton and Jo were together for over 50 years. They moved with "Cotton's" construction work but always considered Mason County home. Once their children reached school age the family moved to Katemcy and Cotton started farming peanuts. He continued to farm until he retired at the age of 69. Cotton was not afraid of hard work!

In his spare time Cotton loved to hunt and fish. He enjoyed running his dogs and hunting coons. He also loved to hunt for elk and mule deer. He was not one to join organizations, but he was a proud member of the NRA.

Graveside funeral services with military honors for Cotton Evans will be held on Thursday, October 25, at 10:30 a.m. at the Bethel Cemetery at Camp Air. Visitation with the family will be Wednesday evening from 5 to 7 p.m. at Mason Funeral Home.