Sheridan S. Evans, M.D. went to meet the Lord after a short illness 8:25 p.m., Monday, January 21, 2013 at his home in McKinney, TX. He was surrounded by his loving and devoted family. Sheridan was born in Champaign, Illinois on August 10, 1919. Dr. Evans was the valedictorian of his high school class. Thereafter, he received a full merit scholarship to Harvard College. At Harvard, he excelled in his studies and received the coveted Phi Beta Kappa key followed by acceptance into Harvard Medical School. Considered a “living legend” by many of today young physicians, Dr. Evans began his long medical career in the U.S. Army. He joined after deferring his residency to serve as a surgeon in World War II while stationed in Walla Walla, Washington. Dr. Evans administered to the thousands of soldiers wounded in the Pacific. As a young physician, Dr. Evans was one of the doctors that treated the hundreds of victims from the tragic Coconut Grove nightclub fire, Boston’s premier nightclub during the post Prohibition 30’s and 40’s. This tragedy affected him so deeply he pledged to devote his years in the medical field to help alleviate pain and suffering.
Dr. Evans practiced general surgery for 17 years in Boston, Houston with the bulk of his practicing career in the Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, Mission, and Edinburg hospitals. Dr. Evans formerly served as the local and state Presidents of the American Cancer Society, President of the Hidalgo County Medical Society, President of the Texas Medical Foundation and Vice President of the Texas Medical Association. During his career he received many awards and distinctions, and was known for his stellar bedside manner, love and care for his patients. He retired in 1982.
Dr. Evans loved sports, especially tennis, sailing and swimming. During his college summers, he taught tennis on Nantucket Island and sailing and swimming on Lake Sunapee in New Hampshire. Likewise, he loved camping, hiking in the mountains and spending time at the beach. An avid horseracing fan and fantastic handicapper, he spent most of his retirement enjoying the races in the cool mountains of Ruidoso, N.M. where he had a vacation home.
He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 50 years, Maria Ramirez Evans of McKinney and McAllen TX. In addition, he is survived by his six children, Claudia Tomlin of Minneapolis, MN, Libby Evans of Hancock, ME, Wendy Evans of Machiasport, ME, Steve Evans and wife Kathy of Farmer’s Branch, TX, Dr. Sheridan Scott Evans and wife Veronica of McKinney, TX and Allison Evans Bassman and husband Jarrod of Dallas, TX. Dr. Evans, affectionately known as “Papa” is survived by his nine adoring grandchildren, Dr. John Tomlin and wife Dr. Cindy Brenner of Minneapolis, MN, Chris Tomlin of Wilmington, N.C., Christine and Laura Evans of Farmer’s Branch, TX, Andrew and Peter Evans of McKinney, TX, Isabella, Emma Kate and Jake Bassman of Dallas, TX; great-grandchildren, Ben and Grace Tomlin of Minneapolis, MN; nephews, Robert and James Evans of Arkansas, Dr. Richard Evans of Florida; nieces Dr. Megan Evans of Kansas and Vivienne Thalrose of Illinois.
Dr. Evans was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Claude M. and Alma Evans; brothers, Dr. Robert Evans of Illinois and Dr. Preston Evans of Arkansas.
A devout Catholic, Dr. Evans lived his life with a love and devotion to Jesus and the Blessed Mother Mary. His family will forever miss his brilliance, witty sense of humor, sweet nature, and laid back disposition. The family of Dr. Evans would like to express their deepest gratitude to the doctors, nurses and staff at Baylor Medical Center of McKinney & McKinney Medical Center; the nurses and staff of the Community Hospice of Texas; and the nurses and staff at First Choice Patient Home Health.
A rosary and memorial mass will be held 10:30 a.m., Thursday, January 24, 2013 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 652 Redbud Blvd, McKinney, TX 75069 with Father Bruce Bradley officiating. A reception will immediately follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the St. Michael’s Catholic Church building fund.