Three Rivers Baptist Church

Hey fellas, you might not be a father, but you're definitely a son! Join us this Saturday at Bro. Jake's house for the father and son cookout! If you need the address, please message either Pastor Jake or Mrs. Sarah Hoffman.

Thank you, Dr. Evans for the wisdom, laughter, and heartfelt friendship you shared with Pastors Doug and Jake Jackson and with Three Rivers Baptist Church throughout the many years. Until we meet again...

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dr. Wendell Evans.

Wendell Evans trusted Christ as his Saviour at the age of eight when his pastor, Pete Weins, showed him from the Bible how to be saved. When he was a freshman in high school, he dedicated his life to serving the Lord.

He earned a Ph.D from Bob Jones University and also attended the University of Tennessee and the University of Chattanooga. He served as the Chairman of Religious Education at Temple Baptist Theological Seminary and was the Dean at Tennessee Temple College.

He married his wife, Marlene, while in college at Bob Jones, and together they made a dynamic duo of serving the Lord and serving others. They served together until her death in 2001.

Dr. Evans began serving at Hyles-Anderson College in June 1972. Throughout his many years of faithful service, he held numerous leadership roles, including Executive Vice President and faculty member. From the earliest days of the college, he oversaw the daily chapel services and led congregational singing with an enthusiasm and energy that became a hallmark of Hyles-Anderson College. Affectionately known as “Mr. Hyles-Anderson College,” Dr. Evans’ cheerful and welcoming spirit will long be remembered on our campus.

In 1977, Dr. Evans became President of Hyles-Anderson College, a position he faithfully held for 31 years until May 2008, when he was named President Emeritus. Though raised as a farm boy in Iowa, Dr. Evans possessed a keen intellect that was matched by his homespun humor, practical wisdom, and genuine humility. One of his oft-repeated sayings was, “Keep Christ the center of your life, and the circumference will take care of itself.”

After more than four decades of dedicated service, Dr. Evans officially retired from Hyles-Anderson College in June 2014.

On Tuesday, June 9, 2026, Dr. Evans entered the presence of the Saviour he had faithfully served throughout his life. His legacy of leadership, faithfulness, and devotion to Christian education continues to impact countless lives for generations to come.

Please pray for his wife, Elaine; his children, David and Joy; and their families at this time.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. in the Evans Auditorium at Hyles-Anderson College. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Memory Lane Memorial Park and Funeral Home.