Warsaw Fireman Loses Battle With Brain Cancer

"No matter what happens, I win."

These are the words spoken by pastors Roger Weir and Ron Roetman as told to them by Jon Evans.

Evans, 44, of Warsaw, lost a five-month battle with inoperable brain cancer Sunday. The Warsaw Fire Department firefighter had accepted his fate and was ready to walk through the pearly gates. If he had beat it, he'd have considered himself a winner. But Evans knew, the pastors eulogized, that if he didn't make it he'd still be a winner - he'd be with Jesus.

Wednesday's funeral took place at First Presbyterian Church, Warsaw, with more than 300 family, friends and emergency personnel, including firefighters from throughout Kosciusko County and several neighboring communities, present for the send-off.

Weir and Roetman both spoke about Evans' love for God and his wish for his family and friends to continue to strive for goodness in their lives. During the service, Bambi VanDyke sang three of Evans' favorite songs, including "How Great Thou Art" and "The Old Rugged Cross." The church service ended with an audiotaped version of Evans' 3-year-old son Reid - then age 2 - singing "Jesus Loves Me."

Evans' casket was transported from the church to Oakwood Cemetery on the back of a 1912 American La France fire truck. Nearly 70 vehicles were in the two-mile-long procession that traveled past both of Warsaw's fire stations en route to the gravesite. The procession passed under the crossed ladders of two ladder trucks flanking the gates of the cemetery.

A trio of bagpipers led the old fire truck to the gravesite, where firefighters, police officers and emergency medical personnel were assembled to honor Evans. Family and friends entered behind the casket.

After a brief graveside service, fellow firefighter Ed Kipker read the fireman's prayer:

When I am called to duty, God,

Whenever flames may rage,

Give me strength to save some life

Whatever be its age.

Help me embrace a little child

Before it is too late

Or save an older person

From the horror of that fate.

Enable me to be alert

And hear the weakest shout

And quickly and efficiently

To put the fire out.

I want to fill my calling

And to give the best in me;

To guard my every neighbor

And protect his property.

And if, according to my fate,

I am to lose my life,

Please bless with your protected hand

My children and my wife.

Evans leaves behind his wife, Trish, and children, Kayla, Alexandria and Reid.

At the close of the graveside service, a dispatch was aired that Evans' was at his resting place and off duty for a final time.

"Amazing Grace," played on the bagpipes, ended the service.