Father G. William Evans, who retired as pastor of St. Dorothea Parish, Eatontown, in 2009 and was a priest of the diocese for 35 years, died Nov. 18, 2013.

Funeral services will begin Nov. 21 with the Rite of Reception in St. Dorthea Church, 240 Broad St., at 2 p.m. Viewing will continue until 7 p.m. when a Mass will be celebrated. Calling hours will follow the Mass until 10 p.m.

The following day, Nov. 22, calling hours will resume starting at 7 a.m. in St. Dorothea Church and continue through 10 a.m. At 10:30, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., will be principal celebrant of a Mass of Christian Burial.

Father Evans was born Dec. 6, 1943 in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Following his graduation from Moorestown High School, he served six years in the U.S. Army’s 114th Infantry, New Jersey National Guard in Burlington, from 1964-1970, serving  for six months in Fort Dix and additional time in the reserves.

During his time in the Army reserves, Father Evans was a reporter for the Camden Courier-Post newspaper for three years.

He prepared for the priesthood in St. Mary’s College, St. Mary, Ky., where he earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy, then Mount St. Mary Seminary, Emmitsburg, Md., earning a master’s degree in theology.

Father Evans was ordained a priest May 20, 1978, in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, by Bishop George W. Ahr. He served as parochial vicar in Sacred Heart Parish, Mount Holly; St. Denis Parish, Manasquan; Holy Angels Parish, Hamilton (where he also acted as temporary administrator), and St. Dominic Parish, Brick.

Father Evans was named pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Beverly (which is now part of Jesus the Good Shepherd Parish, Riverside), March 9, 1990, and then St. Dorothea Parish, Eatontown, April 23, 1999. During his tenure in St. Dorothea Parish, he led the congregation in building an addition, expanding the parking lot for a growing membership, establishing a Knights of Columbus council, creating a “Prayer Garden,” continuing the developing of cherished memorials, including the purchase of two life-size statues honoring St. Dorothea, a martyr who died for her faith under the anti-Christian Roman Empire.

In addition to his pastoral duties, he served as chaplain of the Serra Club of Burlington County.

Father Evans retired from active ministry Sept. 2, 2009.

Father Evans was predeceased by his parents Gomer W. and Mary Correll Evans and his stepmother, Frances Evans. He is survived by a brother, Richard (Karen) of Land O’Lakes Fla.; two sisters, Marilyn Lunger of Catawissa, Pa., and Nancy (Brendan) King of Wanaque; 10 nieces and nephews and 13 grandnieces and grandnephews.

Burial will be in Memorial Shrine Cemetery, Wyoming, Pa.