John Lee Evener

John Lee Evener

2/12/1950 — 07/20/2025

John Lee Evener Sr., age 75, of Athens, passed away at his home unexpectedly on Sunday, July 20, 2025. John enjoyed life to the fullest and made the most out of every moment he had with his many family members and friends. He was a simple man who didn't need much or ask for anything, except to share stories, have a good laugh, and spend time with the people he loved. John was a Christian man whose unwavering faith in God was a source of strength and comfort throughout his life.

John enjoyed working in his garden outside, canning, painting numerous landscapes on canvas, cooking, sharing recipes, and enjoying a cup of coffee by his garden with his good friend and neighbor, Ralph Evans. John would often take long drives along country roads, visiting and checking in on old friends throughout the years. He never met a stranger- and was a local fixture in his community. John was known for his quick wit and loved to tell jokes. He brought laughter and joy to everyone around him.

Above all, John was a devoted husband and father who adored and cared for his youngest son with disabilities, showing strength, compassion, and unwavering dedication to his "little boy" throughout his life.

Born on February 12, 1950, to Donald James and Mary Josephine Willis Evener of Amesville, Ohio, John and his siblings were raised on a farm. He grew up embracing the values of hard work, resilience, and family unity. He learned the importance of cooperation, responsibility, and supporting one another through life's challenges. These early lessons shaped his character, defined by dedication, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to family.

John was a 1968 graduate of Federal Hocking High School and a 1992 graduate of Ohio University's School of Business. After high school, John married his high school sweetheart, June Irene Hudnell Evener, before being drafted into the Vietnam War in 1970. He served in the U.S. Army as a Helicopter Crew Chief and Door Gunner for the 1st Aviation Brigade. He spent 3 years of active duty (Soc Trang and Can Tho) in Vietnam, and 3 years of inactive duty subsequently.

Following his service in the military, John worked at Southern Ohio Coal Company Meigs Mine 1 as a Production Foreman, and served on the mine rescue Team for 10 years. After graduating from Ohio University with high honors, John was employed by Cantwell Machinery in Columbus, where he retired. From 2018-2021, John became a Parent Mentor for students with disabilities at Vinton County Schools.

He was also a Board Member for the Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities, where his youngest son attended Beacon School in the 80s and 90s, as well as a life-long member of the Trimble Masonic Lodge #557.

He was survived by his wife of 56 years, June; his children, John Lee (Selina) Evener, II, Stephanie Evener Nesius, and Andy Evener; and grandchildren, Peyton Evener, Avery Evener, Isabella Evener, and Lola Nesius; sisters, Linda Evener Ewing, Sheila Evener Antle, and Ruth Evener; sister-in-laws, Becky Evener and Dorothy Newton, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandson, Kai Tennsion (Stephanie) Nesius, father, Donald Evener, mother, Mary Jo Evener, and brothers Donald "Tink" Evener and Keith Evener.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 23, from 4-7 pm at Hughes Funeral Home at 168 Morris Avenue, Athens, Ohio 45701 with a Masonic Lodge service at 7pm.

A Formal Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, Jul 24, at Hughes with a graveside service following at Concord Union Church at 12272 Concord Church Road, Glouster, Ohio 45732.

The funeral service will be officiated by Minister Justin McBride. Friends and family are invited to SkyView Acres Event Barn, 14000 West Kasler Creek, Amesville, Ohio 45711, to attend an after-graveside service to celebrate John's life with a home-cooked dinner. Those who wish to sign the online guestbook may do so at www.ehwfh.com.