- Name
- Herndon Evans
- Hometown (Last School)
- Frankfort, KY (High)
- Ht
- 5'10"
- Seasons
- 1919-20
- Birthday
- December 22, 1895
Herndon Evans was born Herndon Julian Evans in Morehead, Kentucky on December 22, 1895, to John G. Evans and Amelia Roberta Hamm Evans.
Evans was a 1914 graduate of Frankfort High School. Evans attended Kentucky but his studies were disrupted by service in the Army from 1917-1918. Evans returned and graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1921. While at Kentucky, Evans was a member of Kappa Sigma, the Cadet Corps, Alpha Delta Sigma, Lamp and Cross, History Club, Canterbury Club, Press Club, Democratic Club, Kernel staff, and the Mystic 13. He later served on the UK Board of Trustees.
Evans, a native of Morehead, was owner and editor of the Pineville Sun for 30 years before joining The Herald as editor in 1956. He retired as Herald editor in 1967, and, in 1968, joined the F.L. Dupree & Co. Inc., an investment bond firm, as director of public relations.
Most of Evans’ life was devoted to the weekly newspaper business, but he also was active in the Democratic Party and in Kentucky parks development.
Evans served as publicity chairman for the late Sen. Alben W. Barkley in 1954 and for former Sen. Earle Clements in 1950.
Evans also was publicity chairman in the unsuccessful bid of Bert Combs for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination in 1950. Combs later was elected governor and it was reported that Evans was in line for a cabinet post, but declined to accept it.
Active in conservation projects, Evans’ work resulted in four lakes being built in Bell County. From 1935 to 1950 he served as U.S. commissioner at Pineville. The lodge at Pine Mountain State Park is named in his honor.
Evans passed away on February 26, 1970, at the age of 80.
