Necrology

Thomas Anthony Evans '43

Dec. 31, 1919-Oct. 23, 2019

Thomas Anthony Evans ’43, a former pilot, insurance company executive, and volunteer teacher of Clinton, N.Y., was born on Dec. 31, 1919, in Plainfield, N.J., a son of the former Violet Truell and Noel Evans, a banker. He graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy.

Evans attended Hamilton for several years but left during World War II to train as a pilot and teach instrument flying for two years. On the Hill he was a member of Alpha Delta Phi fraternity, the Honor Court, and the College Choir. He eventually received a B.A. in English from Utica College in 1969 and earned 20 credits toward a graduate degree in social work at Syracuse University.

After working for three years as a pilot for American Airlines, Evans moved to Clinton and joined Utica Mutual Insurance Co. as an underwriter. He retired after 35 years in the insurance business as a vice president.

After retirement Evans began a second career volunteering in day care centers in Clinton and Key Largo, Fla., and as a teaching assistant in the Clinton Elementary School.

Evans, who served his alma mater as a class agent and Career Center volunteer, noted in class reunion yearbooks that living on College Hill Road so near Hamilton allowed him to “[watch] the reunions come and go, [see] some of the guys I used to know.” As to the personal influence of the College on his life, he remarked: “I have no philosophical words of wisdom as to the value of my Hamilton College education, but I’m glad I had it. Don’t remember much, but it makes me feel good.”

Evans married his first wife, the former Margaret Brandt, in 1943. She had long connections to the College as the granddaughter of Hermann C.G. Brandt, Class of 1872, professor of modern languages, and great-granddaughter of Marcus Catlin, Class of 1827, professor of mathematics and astronomy. Following Margaret’s death, Evans married the former Patricia Renfro in 1992. They lived in Florida, Clinton, and Southport, Maine, where Evans had summered since childhood.

He enjoyed sailing, renovating a boat that took the couple along the Atlantic coast, and driving throughout the U.S. and Canada in a camper they renovated, according to a published obituary. He was a jazz pianist and a skilled watercolorist known for his individually painted Christmas cards every year.

Evans died on Oct. 23, 2019, at the age of 99. He is survived by his wife; four sons, including Thomas Evans, Jr. ’78; 11 grandchildren; and seven great-­grandchildren. His daughter-in-law is Anne Priestly K’78.

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