Burl Leon "Lucky" McEvers Sr

Burl Leon "Lucky" McEvers Sr., 72, died suddenly at 8:47 a.m., Monday, November 14, 2011 at his residence. He was born in Dalhart, Texas on Oct. 22, 1939, the son of the late Albert Harold & Grace (Richards) McEvers.Lucky graduated in 1957 from Jersey Community High School, and served with the United States Army from May 10, 1960 to May 9, 1966, serving as an E5 Machinist and served during the Tour of France and Vietnam War.  He is a member of the American Legion, serving as a past commander for the Jerseyville American Legion Post 492 and an officer with the Kane American Legion Post 1038. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Elks Lodge, Eagles, VFW and served on the board of the Veterans Assistance Commission all in Jerseyville.A Machinist by trade, Lucky has worked at Beall Manufacturing, Olin Corp., McDonnell-Douglas, and retired from Jerseyville Precision Grinding.Lucky died where he longed to be, and that was at home where he was comfortable.  He also died shortly after his beloved St. Louis Cardinals clinched the World Series pennant.  As a die hard and life long fan of the Cardinals, Lucky could not have been any happier, and his family is thrilled that he was able to experience this feat one last time.He married BJ Stephens on March 23, 2005 in Carrollton, and she survives.Also surviving are his four sons & their spouses, Burl Leon & Tina McEvers Jr. and Jeff & Linda McEvers all of Jerseyville; Robert "Jay" & Connie McEvers of Clinton, and Joseph Ray McEvers of Maroa; two "bonus" daughters, Julie Speagle & Tammy Moore both of Maroa; his grandchildren, Brittany, Bethann, Breanna, Jerod, Jamie, Jessica, Toby, Ricky, Crystal, Kyle, Stephan, Shayann, William, Bradley, Rebecca, and Eva; two great grandchildren, Trenton & Jaedyn.a brother in law, Gary Wade of Jerseyville.He is also survived by his wife BJ's children,  Brandy Hughes, and her fiance, Douglas Godar of Kampsville, Adriane & Travis Abbott of Jerseyville, Jamie & Lance Steinkuehler of Jerseyville, Elizabeth & Adam Albrecht of Berdan,  and Melinda & Justin Reno of Jerseyville; his step grandchildren, Adam, Brandon, Samantha, Kirsten, Evan, Allison, Kenzie, Jacob, Lyten & Taylor.Also surviving are his mother in law, Kay Stephens of Fieldon; his sister in law, Sandy Bell; several brothers in law & their spouses, Dusty & Marilyn Moore, Earnie Stephens, Joe & Leslie Stephens, Shenan & Jane Stephens; a sister in law, Dallas Lawrence.He was preceded in death by his parents,an infant son, John Matthew McEvers;  a sister, Sierra Sue Wade; a brother, Robert Wyatt; and a special aunt, Ida (McEvers) Bolnick.Visitation will begin at 3 p.m. on Wednesday and will conclude with a short prayer at 7 p.m. at the Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville.Jerseyville American Legion Post 492 will conduct military honors immediately following at the funeral home.A celebration will continue that evening at the Kane American Legion.Cremation will take place after the services and private burial will take place at the Kane Cemetery.Memorials may be given to the Color Guard of the Jerseyville American Legion Post 492.

Obit Provided By:
Crawford Funeral Home