Gerald Wayne Evers

Gerald Wayne Evers, born on January 17, 1943, in Fredericksburg, Texas, passed away peacefully on September 20, 2025, in Kilgore, Texas. A dedicated family man, Gerald's love for his family can be seen in the cherished moments spent together, particularly during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.

Gerald’s professional journey began at the Texas Agriculture Research Station in 1970, where he served as a forage physiologist. His pioneering efforts in small plot and grazing research for rice-pastures rotations set the foundation for his distinguished career. In 1974, he transitioned to the Angleton Research Station, focusing on critical areas such as clover adaptability, inoculation, and the establishment of warm-season perennial grasses, among other vital contributions to agricultural science.

In 1990, Dr. Evers moved to the Agricultural Research and Extension Center at Overton, where he continued his passion for forage establishment and clover research. Notably, he collaborated with plant breeders on developing and releasing new annual ryegrass and clover varieties. His innovative research also encompassed pastures for farming nonnative deer and the safe application of broiler litter as a plant nutrient source for pastures. Gerald’s valuable contributions to the field culminated in his retirement in August 2011, but his legacy within agricultural research will be felt for years to come.

An alumnus of Texas A&M University, Gerald earned a Bachelor of Science in Agronomy in 1966, followed by a Master of Science in Forages in 1968, and concluded with a Doctorate in Forages. He was proud of his accomplishments, including recognition as a Texas A&M Regents Fellow and being named Professor Emeritus.

Outside his professional life, Gerald was a commercial cattle breeder who raised registered Brangus cattle. He enjoyed gardening and was an avid fan of Texas A&M football. Gerald was deeply devoted to his faith as a member of Christ the King Catholic Church, where he also volunteered his time and support.

Gerald is survived by his children: daughter, Christol Evers Bordovsky and her husband, Christopher; son, Russell Evers; his grandson, Eric Bordovsky and his wife, Amanda; granddaughter, Allison Bordovsky; and great-granddaughter, Riley. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Eunice Jurena Evers, and his parents, John Richard and Mildred Ida Knopp Evers Dancer.

A Rosary will take place at Rader Funeral Home in Kilgore on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 6:00 PM, followed by a visitation with family from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Christ the King Catholic Church on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at 10:00 AM.

Gerald Wayne Evers leaves behind a legacy of dedication to his family, profession, and community, and he will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Heart Association or Christ the King Catholic Church Building Fund.