|
Anchorage resident Richard Jesse Evans, 93, died May 19, 2007, at
Grandma Kay's assisted living home in Anchorage.
A memorial service will at 2 p.m. Friday at First Baptist Church, 10th
Avenue and L Street, with Edward Spencer officiating. Burial will follow
at Angelus Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Steve Pavich, Donn
Spencer, Rick Spencer, Steve Sobezyk, Don Cartee and Mike Tope.
Richard was born Aug. 17, 1913, in East St. Louis, Ill., to Elmer and
Elizabeth Evans. He came to Alaska during the summer of 1955 with
Western Electric to work on the White Alice DEW line early warning
system. He traveled throughout Alaska and marveled at its beauty. His
wife, Lucille, and daughters, Carol and Sherry, joined him in November
of that year.
In 1958, Richard opened United Lumber Co. on the corner of Jewel Lake
and International Airport roads. The company grew, and United Lumber Co.
and Building Supply had stores in Eagle River, Palmer, Soldotna and
Bethel as well as operations in Seattle and Hawaii. "He employed many
wonderful people during those years and was still in touch with some
until the end," his family wrote. He closed his business in 1990.
Richard and Lucille were active members of First Baptist Church, which
was originally located on 6th Avenue, now occupied by the J.C. Penney's
parking garage. When the property was purchased for the garage, Richard,
a deacon of many years, headed up the building committee for the new
structure on the corner of 10th Avenue and L Street. "His love of
construction and attention to detail can be appreciated today in the
beauty of the finished product," his family wrote.
"Richard's ('Pa Pa' and Lucille's 'Bamie') life revolved around faith
and family. Their oldest grandson, Donn, had given them these endearing
names when he first began to talk, and that is what they became to
family and many friends. When his beloved Lucille went to Grandma Kay's
home on their 65th wedding anniversary, May 21, 2004, Richard would
visit her three times each day and made sure that she always had fresh
flowers. Red roses were her favorite, and he usually complied. Two weeks
before her death, he went to live at Grandma Kay's, where they shared a
room for those precious few days."
Richard was preceded in death by Lucille, his wife of 67 years, in
October 2006. He is survived by his daughters, Carol Evans and Sherry
Pavich; son-in-law, Steve Pavich; grandchildren, Donn Spencer and wife
Brandy, Rick Spencer and Christen Pavich, all of Anchorage, April
Spencer of Boise, Idaho, and Heather King and husband Avery of
Sacramento, Calif.; great-grandchildren, Alistair and Conrad King;
lifelong friend from youth and later brother-in-law, Otis Rosson and
family of Anchorage; and brother, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews in
the Lower 48.
"We were so blessed to have them in our lives for over 90 years and are
so happy that Dad and Mom will be together for their 68th anniversary,"
his family wrote. "They never missed celebrating one together. Theirs
was a true love story."
The family sends a heartfelt thank you to T.J. and all the ladies at
Grandma Kay's Place for the special loving care they gave Mom and Dad.
"They were the very best and we love them."
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the
National Autism Association, 1330 W. Schatz Lane, Nixa, MO 65714. For
information, call 1-877-622-2884.
Arrangements were provided by Kehl's Forest Lawn Mortuary and Crematory.
Published in the Anchorage Daily News on 5/23/2007.
|