Earl Evans

Earl Eugene Gene' Evans passed away Wednesday, 19 April, 2023 from complications related to late stages Alzheimers disease at Amber Glen Alzheimers Special Care Center in Urbana. He was 86 years old.

Gene was born in October 1936 on a farm in Moultrie County close to La Place, IL. His parents were John R. Evans and Sylvia C. (Morr) Evans. He was the youngest of 3 boys.

When he was eleven years old, the family moved to a farm in Macon County, IL. Gene graduated from Macon High School in 1954.

Gene enrolled at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. During the summers he worked for the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) as a Trainee in Madison County (IL). Gene graduated from the University of Illinois in 1960 with a dual BS Degree in Agricultural Engineering and Agricultural Science. He began working full-time for the SCS as an Agricultural Engineer. He moved around Illinois during the next eight years, working in Quincy, Pittsfield, Litchfield, Hillsboro, Sterling, Decatur, Pekin, and Lincoln designing watershed improvement projects.

While stationed at Pittsfield, Gene became acquainted with Deloris Durr. He and Deloris were married at Pittsfield in May 1962. They had three children.

In 1969, Gene was transferred to the SCS Office in Champaign, IL as a Civil Engineer on the Watershed Planning Staff.

Deloris was instrumental in the creation of the Center for Women in Transition (now Courage Connection) in Champaign-Urbana. Gene also volunteered 'whenever Mom asked him to do things' for the shelter and for all sorts of events at Faith United Methodist Church. Gene even got his CDL when the youth group needed a bus driver to take them on trips.

After he retired in 1994, Gene continued to volunteer for groups such as the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), delivering Meals on Wheels, serving as Treasurer for NARFE (Chapter 348), etc.

Gene was always helping neighbors with yard work and shoveling snow. In 2016, Gene was one of five people honored with the "Service Together Achieves Results" award "for the excellence in neighborly service" - nominated by his neighbors. Gene enjoyed outdoor activities; he also enjoyed helping his brother Bob harvest crops near Macon, IL.

'Genes most profound and lasting work/help/contribution was to people directly. Through his willingness to help other people, he touched so many lives. Not with words but deeds.'

So many people took care of and looked out for Gene over his lifetime and the last few years: family, friends, neighbors who knew him, neighbors who did not know him, health care professionals, and even strangers saved his life more than once. It takes a village.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents (both lived to the age of 92), his wife Deloris M. Evans (2002, aged 58), and his brother Donald W. Evans (2016, aged 83).

Genes brother Bob (Robert L. Evans) passed away April 25, 2023 a few days after Genes passing at age 89.

Gene is survived by 3 adult children: James A. Evans (Kim E. Sims) of Urbana, IL, Karen E. Medina (Stuart Levy) of Champaign, Linda M. Evans (Eric Schacht) of Champaign-Urbana; 3 grandchildren (the children of Linda): Parker A. Evans of Los Angeles, CA, Demetrius S.P. Evans, and Milo P. Evans.

There will be a memorial gathering (10AM), service (11AM), and light lunch (12noon) Saturday May 13, 2023 at Faith United Methodist Churchs south end / 1719 S. Prospect, Champaign, IL.

Genes ashes will be interred at Woodlawn Cemetery / 1803 N. Coler Ave., Urbana, IL next to Deloris.

Memorial Donations may be made in Gene's memory to:

'Meals on Wheels' and 'RSVP' through Family Service / 405 S. State, Champaign, IL 61820 (Family Service of Champaign County) or Cunningham Children's Home / 1301 North Cunningham Avenue, Urbana, IL 61802 Gene volunteered in the office shredding old documents. You do what is needed for the groups you care about.

Cremation rites have been accorded at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center 710 N. Neil St Champaign, IL.

Please join his family in sharing memories, photos and videos on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com

Services Memorial Gathering Saturday May 13, 2023 10:00 AM Faith United Methodist Church 1719 S. Prospect Ave. Champaign, , IL 61820 Memorial Service Saturday May 13, 2023 11:00 AM Faith United Methodist Church 1719 S. Prospect Ave. Champaign, , IL 61820