Paul K. Evans

Derby - Paul Kendall Evans, 81, passed away April 30, 2025. He was born December 25, 1943, at Wesley Hospital, to Ray and Rose Evans in Wichita, KS. Coach Evans is survived by his true love Bobbie Jo (Loepp) Evans, daughter Paula Jo (Evans) Clark of Wildwood, MO, son Kendall Philip Evans (Kimberly), of Hutchinson, KS, & son Kyle Paul Evans of Derby, KS. He dearly loved his grandchildren, Kristen Jo (Clark) Schneider (Jake) of Kansas City, MO, Jordan Elizabeth Clark of Rogers, AR, and three grandsons of Hutchinson, KS, Sebastian Ray Evans, Paul Michael Evans & Wyatt John Evans. One brother, Lloyd Randall Evans (Vicki) of Rolla, MO, and their two sons & nephews. (Merideth) Ray Evans and Avery Evans.

Paul & Bobbie met when they were 15 at Wichita South High School as juniors. They graduated in 1961. They both headed to Kansas State Teachers College in Emporia. Paul earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education in 1966. He earned a Master’s Degree in Psychology in 1969, both from Emporia State University. Paul & Bobbie were married March 20, 1965, in Wichita.

Paul was an outstanding athlete. His little league baseball team qualified for the Little League World Series. He was the team catcher. As a sophomore at Wichita West High, he played shortstop, and the team won State. Paul & the team are in the West High School Hall of Fame.

At South High School, he played tight end on the football team & point guard for basketball. For years he held the Wichita City free-throw record. He was a catcher & shortstop for the baseball team. After high school, he continued playing semi-pro baseball at Dumont Stadium in Wichita, KS.

Paul became “Coach Evans” at Derby Junior High in 1966. He coached football, basketball & track while teaching physical education & core classes. He coached boys' basketball at Derby High for two years & then returned to the junior high where he started girls' basketball.

Most of his career was at Derby High School where he coached Varsity & JV Football, Girl’s

Basketball & Track. His teams won many championships. The Girl’s basketball took state

awards, taking second place by 1 & 2 points. Derby High School athletic department inducted him into their Hall of Fame in 2017. He is also part of the 1994 State Football Championship team’s induction into the Hall of Fame. Paul was Kansas Girl’s Basketball Coach of the Year twice and nominated for national awards. In the classroom, Paul was instrumental in establishing the strength and conditioning program. He was a class sponsor for the class of 1988. He earned many honors during his coaching career.

Bobbie brought the National Student Council Conference to Derby in 1998. Paul oversaw

security and was Bobbie’s right-hand helper. Paul always had a bright smile & support for

everyone. His fun personality made life in the gym & halls a special welcoming, fun place.

Family was his priority. Bobbie and the kids were part of his every sport. The 5 of them did

everything together. Paul & Bobbie’s lives were intertwined and always included their children.

Church life was important to Paul. He ushered for years and helped with Bible School & the

youth programs. He grew up at Bethany Presbyterian in Wichita & became a Methodist at

Woodlawn United Methodist Church. He said he always felt calm, comfortable & warm when at church.

His life impacted many people in many ways. He was a teacher, a coach, a mentor, a friend, a champion for everyone, but mostly our dad. Days will be long & hard without him, but he lives in our hearts.

Paul was a humble & appreciative man. He never wanted the limelight. He loved sports, TV,

hamburgers & fries and mostly his family. He retired from teaching in 2002 & from coaching

football in 2004. His motto was “Be Your Best.” He sends that message to all of you. He was our rock & our hero& we loved him deeply.

Paul’s memorial Service will be held at 1:00 PM, Saturday May 17, 2025, at Woodlawn United Methodist Church, 431 S. Woodlawn Blvd., Derby, Kansas 67037. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Woodlawn United Methodist Church.