Evalyn P. Poor, 94 years young, took the hand of Jesus on Friday, Aug. 17, 2012, in Lenexa, Kan. She entered her heavenly home to live forever with her loved ones who preceded her in death: her beloved husband of 54 ½ years, Robert Eugene Poor, who was a chemist at Spencer Chemical Company for many years; and son, Donald Eugene Poor.

She leaves behind two children, Roberta Garner (husband, Berl) and son, Bobby Ray Poor, of Lenexa. She is also survived by granddaughter, Tanith Reans and three great-grandchildren, Malayna, Mason, and Landon, all of Tulsa, Okla.

Evalyn was born March 28, 1918, in Springfield, Mo., as an only child to Harry and Elizabeth (Holcomb) Hood. She graduated from Picher, Okla., High School and attended Miami Business School for six months. She and Gene were married in Columbus, Kan. Evalyn was a stay-at-home Mom to her three children for several years. She enjoyed participating in many crafts during this time: sewing, quilting, crocheting, leather work and oil and acrylic painting.

Evalyn was a long-time resident of Baxter Springs, Kan., and member of The First Christian Church. She participated in community activities including the offices of Past Worthy Matron of Eastern Star, Past Chief of Pythian Sisters, Past Noble Grand of Rebeccas and was Worthy Advisor to Rainbow girls. At the age of 50, she enrolled and graduated from a licensed practical nursing program and worked primarily in Joplin, Mo. She volunteered for several years at St. John's Hospital in Joplin. Evalyn eventually lost her eye sight and spent her last years in a nursing home. Her favorite colors were purple and red; her favorite Bible verse was Psalm 23; her favorite church music was "Nearer My God to Thee" and "The Old Rugged Cross".

She was entrusted to Derfelt's Baxter Chapel for cremation. Interment included a remembrance of her life to the family by Jerry Derfelt at the G.A.R. Cemetery in Miami, Okla.