Steven R. Evans
March 05, 2015
Steven R. Evans, 69, slipped quietly away from this life on the evening of March 5, 2015. Steven was born to Robert F. and Dorothy Evans in Cedar Falls, Iowa on October 17, 1945. One of eight children, he often shared stories of the antics and adventures with his brothers and sisters while growing up. Steven graduated from Cedar Falls High School in 1963. He volunteered for service with the U.S. Navy in 1966 and was a Vietnam Era veteran serving until September 1971. His last active duty posting was to the U.S.S. Theodore E. Chandler a destroyer that patrolled off the coast of South Viet Nam and took him to places like Japan and Australia. After discharge from the Navy, Steven returned home and worked for the Cedar Falls Construction Company. In the fall of that same year he met his future bride.
About a year later, on December 23, 1972 Steven and Linda Carol Marshall were married in Paton, Iowa. Steven and Linda lived in Cedar Falls until 1979 where he continued working for CF Construction and later attended Hawkeye Institute of Technology in Waterloo. In 1978, he was granted an Associate of Arts degree in Commercial Art. While he did not pursue a career in the field, Steven did enjoy drawing and sketching over the years. In 1979, Linda and Steve moved to Des Moines where he joined Northwestern Bell. Steven's career with the telephone company spanned 30 years. He retired from Qwest Communications at the end of 2009.
Steven's greatest joy in life was his family. He was devoted to his two lovely daughters, Megan Elaine Evans and Meredith Lin (Kevin) Tiernan. He greatly enjoyed the company of his brothers while fishing and playing cards. He loved to putter outdoors and he was a faithful 4-mile a day walker. His walks often got out of hand as he stopped to visit with friends and neighbors up and down the street near the home where Steven and Linda have lived for almost 25 years.
Steven is survived by Linda; and daughters, Megan and Meredith; three wonderful grandsons, Erik Daniel Evans, Brennan Sean Evans, and Mason Steven Evans; and two furry granddogs, Elle and Emma. He was preceded in death by his parents, but is the first of the eight children to pass away. Steven is survived by brothers, Robert Evans, Gary (Terri) Evans, Larry (Lisa) Evans, and Kent Evans. Surviving sisters are Karen Katzenmeyer, Gina (Tom) Leonard, and Pam Schneiderman. Steven also leaves to remember him, many family members and friends some of whom were like family. He was a loving man with a gentle spirit who had an easy smile and rarely had a bad word to say about anyone.
Memorial services will be held on Sunday, March 22, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines. The family will receive visitors prior to the memorial from 12 to 2 p.m.
Memorials may be directed to Relay for Life-Greene County benefiting the American Cancer Society or to Mercy Hospice in Johnston. Condolences may be expressed online at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Dale L White
04/07/2015
Dear Steve, You were gone so quickly I never got a chance to thank you. First, I want to thank your family (Dorothy) for finding a mom and dad for me at the time of my birth. If your mom hadn't, who knows, we might have been brothers. Thanks for being my friend growing up in Cedar Falls. We had some great times at Bakers Ice Cream, trick and treating all over Cedar Falls every Halloween, the card games, and the times at UNI where you met Lin. I remember the time we went to see The Thing at the Regent theatre and were afraid to walk home in the middle of the day. Thanks for getting me my first job after high school, with Cedar Falls Construction; even tho I didn't last very long and had blisters on both hands. Thanks for joining the Navy with me, even though I only lasted six months because of medical reasons and you were stuck with the whole four years. Thanks for being my best man at our wedding. I know you could have found something more fun to do while we were home on leave! Not sure where we were when you and Lin were married. And finally, thanks for the great deviled eggs you always brought to the Kelly reunions. They, as well as you, will surely be missed. Even tho we kind of lost touch over the last few years, I would always ask your brothers about you whenever we ran into one of them. Heaven will be a much better place with you there. You will be missed.
Your cousin, Dale
Dwight Tomes and Jayne Owen
03/23/2015
Steve's smile and greeting in our neighborhood was a warm and welcome addition to any day. Seeing Steve and Linda strolling around the neighborhood was always good for a wave or a conversation if we were within talking distance. In the day when there were association meetings his laugh and comments kept things 'going' for us. We were out of town and couldn't attend the memorial service. Linda you have our our sincere condoloences and we wish you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
LaVonne Salton Anderson
03/22/2015
Steve Evans was a remarkable man and the ideal coworker. Everyone knew it would be a good day if he was in the office. We all wanted to sit by Steve so we could catch his stories and have his good attitude rub off on us.He was smart hard-working but not uptight. He had a way of making long greuling days at work bearable because he was able to stay cool calm level even in days of overtime talking to irate customers. Steve empathized with frustrations of employees but shoes respect to supervisors. He led by example. He understood business and need for rules which often don't make sense but instead of complain he would be realistic and help others understand as well. The love Steve had for his family was so obvious in the way his eyes lit up when speaking of you all. Please find comfort in knowing you gave him much delight. I worked at phone company 1993 until 2013 when I had massive stroke. I was working to recover from that but the week before Christmas I broke my ankle. Now I am in a care facility trying to get back walking. I am SO SO sorry I was not able to be at the memorial service today to greet you in person but I was with you in spirit. I got to know Steve best by sitting in same pod at work and talking about life and stuff and magic markers. We both made posters for office events. He could whip up a great sign in minutes while I may take all day. I admired his artistic talents and paid attention to his methods. What a kind and gentle man of good humor class and integrity. My husband Gary enjoyed him very much.
Last fall on way home from my therapy we saw Steve working in yard so we stopped and had the nicest visit with him.
You selected such a wonderful photograph to use! When I look at it, I can hear his deep voice and hearty laughter. I am blessed for having known Steve Evans. May God grant you peace and comfort in warm memories. LaVonne
Diane Roth
03/21/2015
What a wonderful man, husband and father. I met Steve and Linda when they lived in Cedar Falls in the early stages of their marriage. He was such a devoted family man and had a wonderful wit about him. Always a positive inspiration. He will be missed by many.
Bev Nyght Thornton
03/20/2015
I heard about your loss from Avis. From reading the other condolence messages he sounds like he was a wonderful companion for you. We are so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts.
Jim and Marsha Harrington
03/19/2015
So sorry for your loss, he was a wonderful person, prayers to you and your family
Karen Stewart
03/16/2015
This was a shock to hear about! I am so sorry ! You are in our thoughts and prayers! Bob and I miss you!
Ned and Paula Skinner
03/15/2015
Linda, Megan, and Meri,
We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Barb Hoffman
03/11/2015
Linda, Megan and Meredith, I am so deeply saddened for you. I have such fond memories of being responsible for holding up Steve as he passed our house on his walking treks. He never had a negative thing to say...and always had a smile on his face, and time for a chat. Please know that Tony and I are thinking of you all. We will be in touch soon.
Marjorie and Shirley Bartlett and Linda Close
03/09/2015
So sorry for your loss. We are all keeping you in our prayers. God bless your family.
Joe & Kathy Montag
03/09/2015
Linda & Girls, We are so sorry to hear about Steve. He always had a smile when we saw him at family reunions. Heaven has gained an angel. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Brian and Melissa Morey
03/09/2015
Linda and Family, So sorry to hear of Steve's passing our thoughts and prayers to you all.
Carol Gartrell
03/08/2015
The world has lost a wonderful man. Kind, thoughtful and sincere as they come!
Chris Chandler
03/07/2015
My most heartfelt condolences to the family. He was a great man and I was honored to know him.
Marge Kroger Estes
03/07/2015
Dear Linda, Although I was not privileged to know Steven, it sounds like he was the perfect match for you. Carol has kept me updated on your life. May the memories you hold dear comfort you in your time of sorrow.