Frank Evan Evans' Obituary
Frank Evan Evans, 82, of Decatur, passed away in his home on the morning of December 22nd, 2011.
A Celebration of his Life will be held Tues, Jan 3, 2012 at the Unitarian Universalist Church located at 3733 N MacArthur Blvd from 2:00 to 4:00 PM
Frank was born on June 11th 1929 in Decatur, IL, the son of Edward Bering Evans and Catherine Tait Evans. He graduated from Oberlin College in 1951 and served in the U.S. Army between 1951 and 1953. He married Margaret Meissner of Chatham, New Jersey on June 20th 1953. After his Army service, they resided in Decatur, IL and had four sons: Larry, Ron, Don and Steve. During this time, Frank joined Evans Grain Company with his father and took over as President in 1966. Frank served as Director and later as Chairman of the Board at Decatur Memorial Hospital from 1975-1984. He served as Director of the Citizen's National Bank from 1977-1993.
As a way to provide for his sons' college educations, he decided to plant Christmas trees in 1959. This venture blossomed into a business– 4 E's Trees, Inc. in 1962 and remains in business today. Frank was President of the Illinois Christmas Tree Growers Association. He was a founding member of the Mid-America Christmas Tree Grower's Association and received the organization's premiere recognition, the Mike Gwinner Award for outstanding contributions to the Christmas tree industry. Frank was very involved in Four E's; his ingenuity lead to the development of numerous implements to improve the growing and harvesting process, including planters, wreath and rope-making machines. Many people would say, 'Frank loved to tinker and he could fix anything.'
Surviving are his wife of 58 years, Marge and their sons: Larry Evans of Missoula, Montana; Ron Evans and wife Ginger of Decatur, IL, (their sons: Dan, Phillip-Matthew, Kenneth); Don Evans of St. Louis, MO (and his children: Micaela, Holly, Grace, Luke and great grandson Atreya); Steve Evans and wife Nancy of Windsor, CO, (their children: Sara, and Ben.) Frank was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Eb of Boise, ID.
Memorials may be made to the Macon County Humane Society, Decatur Memorial Hospital, or an organization of the donor's choice. Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Frank?
What’s a lesson you learned from Frank?
Share a story where Frank's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Frank you’ll never forget.
How did Frank make you smile?