John Everage, born October 12,1925 in Knott County, was one of seven sons and two daughters born to Balis Everage and Maggie (Perkins) of Tina, Kentucky. On December 7, 1946, John married Dorothy (Cornett) Bundy.  For most of his life, John made his home in Knott County with his wife and two daughter, Johnnie Sharon Everage and Mary Joe Bundy.

After serving in World War II with the U.S. Navy Medical Corps, John attended the Louisville School of Mortuary Science and graduated in 1949 with the highest honors in his class.  john founded the Everage-Watts funeral Home which was located for many years in downtown Hindman.  In 1965, John along with Orbin Childers, established the Hindman Monument company, located at the mouth of big Branch (Carrie) on the John Wes Cornett property.

John served as Knott County Coroner from 195401961.  he was a member of the American Legion and Past Master of the Hindman Masonic Lodge #689.  In addition, he was a member of the National Funeral Directors' Association, the Kentucky Funeral Director's Burial Association. In June 1975, John retired from the Hindman Funeral Home, and he died at his home in Knott County on August 24, 1977.

Biographical information can only give us the facts of a man's life-the6y fail to reveal the essence of the man. Although they sum up the total of his years somehow the facts seem so impersonal and still leave us with the question, "Who was John Everage?"

John Everage was a devoted family man.  He worked tirelessly to provide for them and his love was a constant source of strength and support in their lives,.  They lived confident that this gentle giant was their wall of protection and their refuge in the time of trouble.  Even his extended family depended on his wisdom, his love and his might.

John Everage was a servant.  Romans 12:14 urges us to "Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.  "John fulfilled that commission as he poured his life into his native Knott County with over 23 years of service.  Much of his service to Knott Countians was not an easy task.  Daily he dealt with death, burial and monuments for his family and friends.  but he used his role as a funeral director to be a tower of strength and comfort to those who were bereaved, and for many he became "just like family."

John Everage was a politician.  although he served in only one elected office, he thrived in the political arena and the politics of Knott County.  Throughout his life he was politically active and successful, built that too was mostly for the sake of others. John Everage was a hard worker, full of determination to succeed in his life and in is vocation.  These traits enable him to become a respectable leader and business operator who influenced and helped carve the face of Knott County.  he built memorials for our families and our friends, and many cemeteries scattered througho8ut this area five evidence of his hard work.  In addition, the funeral home and monument company he established remain open today, still serving the people of the area.

John Everage was a visionary who believed in others.  He invested himself and his time into young people, even training some to follow in his footsteps.  His interest was not limited to is own children, but he sought to give other teenagers goals and the opportunity to fulfill those goals.

John Everage was a big, rugged man with a sense of humor and a gusto for life.  His friends enjoyed visiting and relaxing in his home.  He, Billy Miller smith and Foster "Tubby" Calhoun spent many hours engaging in friendly card games sitting around the table in his home.  Perhaps it is fitting the three of them should be awarded this prestigious honor together today.

John Everage was a man who performed deeds of goodness and generosity without needing man's approval or praise.  He was loved and respected by his personal, professional and business conduct, he was loved by the multitudes and truly touched the lives of thousands, even in ways that today still impact Knott County and its people.

John Everage was a man with a legacy.  We as individuals, we as families, and we as communities till reap the benefits of his visions, his hard work, and his servant's heart. He made his life county for something as he invested it into the people of Knott County

Corbett Mullins
April 2003