WILLIS LEE EVANS 92 of Hobbs, New Mexico passed peacefully in his home on July 22, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. He was born on May 9th, 1934, in Lexington, Texas to Willis Lee Washington Sr. and Alene Rusher.

He went on to obtain a full academic career graduating from Booker T. Washington in Hobbs, NM with honors as Summa Cum Laude class of 54. He also received letters in basketball, football, and track and field. Mr. Evans ran so fast that he earned the nickname “Blue Streak”. Mr. Evans furthered academic studies at an HBCU-Paul Quinn.

Afterwards, he enlisted into the United States Army as a medic and received an honorable discharge. Just before joining the Army, the Lovely Mae Dene Allen, donned as the most beautiful girl in her graduating class, caught his eye. With all the speed he boasted, he was not fast enough to run from her. All she had to tell him was “if you don’t come back and marry me, I’m moving to California with my family.” Immediately, he requested a temporary furlough, and so to speak, ran back to Hobbs and got married.

Four children were born due to their union, Twins, Brenda and Glenda, Sandra Kaye, and Derelle.

Mr. Evans thirst for knowledge continued and he completed double major studies obtaining a B.S./B.S.E. from the College of the Southwest, but his grandest academic achievement was his studies at the Eastern New Mexico University Bible Chair in Portales, NM. positioning him to become an ordained Evangelist.

Under the preaching of Charles Anderson, Willis was baptized into the Church of Christ and under further training by Charles Waller, he was ordained as a minister and an Elder. He preached and ministered for 60 plus years, in fact until just 3 days before his death.

Mr. Evans was known for his warm smile, jovial heart, upstanding family man and citizen in the Hobbs community. He also made long lasting friendships in the preaching community. Every person that came in contact knew his was about God’s business as within minutes, he’d let you know, “I’m a Preacher!”

Mr. Willis Evans loved teaching as a prospective profession, but an opportunity to provide more for his family came along as he was recruited as the first African American to be hired at the Texaco Refinery (becoming a lead foreman and even offered Superintendent position) in Eunice, New Mexico. He retired after 30 years of service.

He leaves to mourn, His beloved wife Mae Dene Evans of 69 years 7 months, 3 children Derelle (Diane Evans deceased), Sandra (Edward Coleman), Glenda (Alfred Anderson Jr), Brenda(deceased) Harold Youmans. Siblings, Bill Bennett Washington (Giddings. Texas), Larry Washington (Houston, Texas), Frederick Washington (Phoenix, Arizona), Juanita Washington (deceased), and Willis Travis Washington (deceased). Grandchildren 12, Great Grandchildren 10.