DURHAM — E.J. "Mutt" Evans, a former Durham mayor, died Saturday at 89, following a stroke.

Evans served six terms as mayor, from 1951 - 1963. He was a longtime civic and religious leader, and during World War II, he and his late wife, Sara, signed sponsorship affidavits for 55 refugees, enabling them to start new lives in the U.S. Evans was the son of Lithuanian Jewish immigrants, who settled in Fayetteville.

Evans was appointed by President John F. Kennedy to serve on an advisory board of intergovernmental relations in the early 60s.

Evans was also president of the N.C. League of Municipalities, and served on the board of the National Conference of Mayors.

He is survived by two sons, Robert M. Evans of Atlanta, and Eli N. Evans of Durham; a brother, Monroe Evans of Fayetteville; four grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

The funeral will be at noon Monday at Beth-El Synagogue. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, those wishing to do so send memorials to Beth-El Synagogue or to the Center for Judaic Studies at Duke University.