Hockley County residents honor successful artist, writer, rancher

by Norma Rodriquez, feature editor

A legacy is created by actions done in a lifetime.

Others define someone’s life by childhood memories, characteristics, and accomplishments. The legacy is formed when lives of others are touched and recognition is presented to show appreciation.

On Nov. 10, South Plains College, with the efforts of some Hockley County residents, hosted an event to honor one of Hockley County’s native sons, Max Evans. SPC hosted a book signing, provided by Barnes and Noble Bookstore. Following the book signing, a banquet was held, featuring the presentation of a key to the city, the presentation of the scholarship in Evans’ name, and a casual story-telling session with Dr. Jim Harris, head of the county museum in Lovington, N.M., Alvin Davis of the Cowboy Symposium in Lubbock, and Evans.

Russell Hall, coordinator of the event, said the idea of a scholarship came from a group of local citizens who knew of Evans and wanted to honor him in some way. From this, a scholarship in Evans’ honor was formed.

“He’s never been honored in Texas, much less in Hockley County, “ Hall said.

Dr. Kelvin Sharp, president of SPC, said that this “benefits students from this point forward.”

Davis, who also helped with the event arrangements, said that about 100 tickets were sold before the event. Each ticket cost $25. The funds that were raised for this event will go toward the scholarship.

Evans is not just a successful native of Ropesville, his family helped pioneer Hockley County. Although Evans spent most of his childhood in Humble City near Hobbs, N.M., there are four generations of Evans in the county’s history.

During the story-telling session, Evans explained that they traveled by wagon and collected votes to start the county. He explained the struggles they faced, but how much of a reward it was. He also explained his personal story and how he became successful.

As a child, Evans learned the ways of horses, cows, and the great plains. Before the age of 12, he worked on a cow ranch right out side of Santa Fe, and owned his own ranch a few years later in Union County, N.M. After returning from World War II, Evans sold his ranch and moved to Taos, N.M., where he studied to be a professional artist. There he met his wife of 59 years, Pat James.

Just when his art career was successful, Evans decided to write instead. It was a tough transition between careers, but Evans continued his dream. Evans used his own life as a tool for most of his creations.

Growing up in the great depression and the great drought, Evans made a decision.

“I just prepared for it and enjoyed it,” Evans said. “I didn’t think the world would change or the grass would grow again, or the wind would quit blowing for a day or two. I didn’t believe any of that. I thought that was forever."

Evans said his mother was the real reason for his success. By the age of 3, Evans knew how to read, and “quite well,” he added. Evans said reading is something “a child can be taught and learn to appreciate it.”

Evans has accomplished much in his lifetime. He has produced and sold approximately 300 water and oil paintings, has been accepted in several jury selected shows, written more than 42 books, novels and articles, and has written and directed three documentary films. Four of the films he has written and directed were based on his books. He has also been presented with 17 national, regional, and local awards, including many hall of fame achievements, the Golden Chile Award for Lifetime Achievement in Cinema and the Governor’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in the Arts, New Mexico’s highest arts award.

“ I couldn’t help myself,” Evans said. “I had to create.”

Returning for such an event at SPC was more attention for Evans and his wife than they expected.

“It’s such an honor, and such as special place for my husband,” says Pat Evans, Evans’ wife. “It’s just wonderful to be here with all these great people.”

Evans remembers visiting family members in Levelland and all the good times he spent with them. Evans is pleased with the growth of the town and how it has progressed.

“I enjoy the fact that it’s [Levelland] growing and doing so beautifully now, especially the school,” said Evans.

Some of those who attended the event were old-time friends of Evans, will others were just supporters of the writer and artist.

One who attended the event was a former teacher of Evans, Sycily Lattimore. Lattimore says she took over Evans’ class in November of 1941 when Jay Lee Smith, Evans’ original teacher, left for war. She said that Evans admired him so much. She remembered Evans more for his abilities on the football field rather than in the classroom.

“He would go to school in the fall, and go to work in the spring,” she said.

“I think it’s fun to do something like this for somebody and bring them back home,” she added. “Looks to me as if everybody is interested in reading more.”

Lattimore explained her perspective on authors today.

“I think authors live vicariously,” she said. “I think it’s fun to meet life head on and write about it.”

She described Evans as “one of the best writers of true history,” adding, “he tells it like it is.”

According to Hall, plans are in the works to start honoring more Hockley County natives who have also reached a level of notoriety, as Evans did.

“I think too often we don’t honor our own people,” Lattimore said. “This is amazing history.”

Evans’ legacy will live on forever at SPC with the scholarship that bears his name. He will forever be known, not only as a great artist, writer, producer, and director, but also as a great man who gave back to his community.

Photo by Sagan Wilks /Plainsman Press