Evans, F. W. "Mike"

Remember when Mike Evans operated a pool hall between Third and Fourth Streets on Main in Joplin Missouri before he began mining at Thomas Station?

One of the mining men of this field, who traveled far to be with his mother on Mother's Day, was F. W. Mike' Evans. He spent last weekend in Des Moines, Iowa with his mother, Mrs. Clara Jane Evans, and when he returned, he brought mother, Clara Evans, home with him. Mrs. Evans is also visiting in Miami with her other son, Harry Evans, and family.

F. W. "Mike" Evans, who reputedly made and lost sizable fortunes in the course of his many years of activity as a mine operator in the Tri-State district, died Aug 12, 1959, age 74, at 12:15 this morning in St. John's hospital, Joplin Missouri. Mr. Evans, was one of the most colorful figures in the history of the mine field, principally in the Picher area, after huge deposits of zinc and lead ore were discovered in 1915. He was active both as a hard rock lead and zinc miner and mine operator, and was a member of the old school of rugged, venturesome mining men. Mr. Evans came into his greatest prominence in the Tri-State district mine strife epoch of the mid-thirties when the CIO moved in to organize the industry during a period of depression. He became president and active leader of the rival independent Blue Card union, and occupied that difficult position during the mine riots that twice brought portions of the district under martial law. The stirring events of that period gained nation-wide attention. As an aftermath came the celebrated Labor Board hearings under the old Wagner Act in which Mr. Evans appeared as a star witness for the Blue Card union and the industry. That inquisition which broke the back of the Blue Card union, lasted six months and made many sensational headlines. After that, Mr. Evans devoted his energies to various mining operations, especially during the World War II emergency, and to other business enterprises. In recent years he had been in failing health and virtual retirement. He was probably was on a first name basis with more mining men, including more miners, than any other man in the industry. Mr. Evans at on time owned the old Yates Hotel, now the Jersey Hotel, at Fourth Street and Pearl avenue, Picher and also owned other hotels in the district. One veteran mining man describe him as a man whose "word was good as his bond." He was known as a friend of the miners and often gave financial aid to miners in need. Among mines he operated were the Empire Mine and Southern Mine in the Picher field and Sucker Flats Mine, an open pit mine at Webb City Missouri. [Note: A photo of the Sucker Flats Mine is located at the Webb City Genealogy department.] He was a mine operator in the district for 40 years, retiring several years ago. He had been ill nine years. Born Jul 2, 1885, at Bedford, Mr. Evans had lived in Joplin the last 16 years, moving from Picher. The family home is at 2020 North Moffet avenue. He was married Sep 21, 1919, at Miami to the former Blanche L. Fillmore, who survives. Mr. Evans was a member of the Joplin Elks lodge. Surviving, in addition to his widow, are three brothers, Robert M. Evans of Des Moines Iowa, John L. Evans of Storm Lake Iowa, and Phillip P. Evans, 20 North Hodgen road, Joplin Missouri. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 Saturday afternoon at the Thornhill-Dillon chapel. The Rev. D. W. Brashear will officiate. Burial will be in Ozark Memorial Park cemetery.