Paul M. Evans, age 98 of Salem, passed away on Friday, May 31, 2024 at Salem Township Hospital. Paul was born on January 6, 1926 in West Frankfort, IL the son of Charles and Bertha (Swopsher) Evans. He married Marlene (Hale) Evans on November 18, 1978 in Fairfield and she survives in Salem. In addition to his wife Marlene, he is survived by two sons, Paul Mark Evans and wife Glenna of Portugal and Brent Evans and wife Nancy of Fairfield; two daughters, Lisa Davis and husband Coram of Cartter and Jodi Mammoser and husband Steve Island Grove; grandchildren, Lisa, Lauri, Kyle, Kristen, Mark, Jordan, Rachel and Seth; several great-grandchildren; several great-great grandchildren; three nephews, John Paul Davis, Rich Davis and Kevin Kissner and wife Rachel; mother-in-law, Joan Hale; and sister-in-law, Karen Kissner and husband Marshal. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Sandy Phillips; infant son, Paul Matthew Evans Jr.; and siblings, Chris, Til, Charles, Max and Bert. Paul was a member of First Christian Church in Salem. He retired from P.N. Hirsh Department Store as manager. He served in the United States Army during World War II. He was a 77-year member of the American Legion, enjoyed collecting license plates and antique cars. In 2012 he was able to take part in the Honor Flight, with his son Brent as his escort. Funeral Services for Paul M. Evans will be held at 1:00 pm on Monday, June 10, 2024 at Crouse Funeral Home in Salem with Bill Cash officiating. Visitation will be held from 11:00 am until the time of the service. Burial will follow at East Lawn Cemetery in Salem. Military rites will be accorded at the grave by the Salem American Legion. Memorial contributions can be made to the Honor Flight of Southern Illinois or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and can be received at the funeral home.