Loved ones paid their respects to a member of the Texas National Guard whose physique was recovered close to Eagle Pass after a days-long search.
Military officers stated Spc. Bishop Evans, 22, of Arlington died after going into the Rio Grande final Friday, April 22 attempting to rescue two migrants struggling to swim throughout. His physique was recovered three days afterward Monday, April 25.
Services for Evans have been held in Arlington on Saturday on the Koinonia Christian Church.
Staff Sgt. Levy Womble served with Evans and stated he died a hero.
“Bishop was a great person. He was unique, he was young. He was just going into who he was,” Womble stated.
Evans graduated from Mansfield High School in 2018 and joined the National Guard shortly after. Armand Patino was mates with Evans in highschool and recalled their time within the NJROTC.
“He was always just so joyful to be around,” Patino stated. “Every time we were in formation and we have a serious face, keep our bearing, he would look around, he says, ‘You look a bit stressed out.’ Put his hand in his pocket, pull out some jolly ranchers and say, ‘Here, have some candy.’”
While Patino stated he had not seen Evans in a few 12 months, it was necessary to be there for him on Saturday.
“When I found out that he passed away, it honestly broke my heart,” Patino stated. “He helped out everybody. That’s just who Bishop was. He loved literally giving out to others, and he always wanted to make sure everyone had a smile on their faces at the end of the day.”
Family and mates attended the providers Saturday, together with those that didn’t know him personally. Mike Moore with the Patriot Guard Riders of Texas stated they have been invited by the household. The nationwide group was based in 2005 in an effort to cease disrupters at army funerals.
(*5*) Moore stated. “I never met Bishop, but it sounds like he’s got a servant’s heart.”
Flags have been lined up outdoors the church on Saturday, adopted by a procession escorted by Arlington police to the DFW National Cemetery in Dallas.
“I hope the family understands that it’s from our heart that we’re here,” Moore stated.
Evans was deployed as a part of Operation Lone Star, a border safety initiative.