Robert "Bob" Evans

Robert “Bob” Vernon Evans, age 95, died peacefully on Monday, Oct 5, 2020 in Littleton, Colorado.

He will be laid to rest with military honors at Fort Logan, following a private service for family.

Robert was born on Oct 18, 1924 in DeSoto, Missouri to Vernon August and Genevieve Ada (McCreary) Evans. He was a graduate of DeSoto High School and the University of Central Missouri.

At age 17, Robert enlisted in the Army Air Corps, eventually earning the rank of First Lieutenant in the 49th Troop Carrier Squadron, 313th Troop Carrier Group. He served bravely and proudly as a pilot in WWII, during which he transported supplies and paratroopers into France and Germany. His many perilous missions included the rescue of Russian Jewish prisoners in Austria the day after the war ended. In 2005, Robert traveled to Europe as a part of the “Greatest Generation” program to visit various locations where he had served, including an old abandoned air strip.

As part of a successful career in plastics manufacturing, Robert worked as a tool and die engineer in Missouri. He retired in 1990, shortly after a transfer to Denver.

He married his loving wife Dorothy Ann (Wright) Evans on June 17, 1989 at Littleton United Methodist Church. Throughout their marriage, Bob and Dorothy were active parishioners, contributing to their church family with service and friendship. Their faith was steadfast, and manifested in their love and devotion to everyone around them.

After retirement, Robert focused on his hobby of woodworking. Using intricate patterns that he designed himself, he created artisan bowls that beautifully captured the natural color of different woods through vibrant patterns and contrasting features. With many tools he crafted himself, he also constructed several clocks, musical instruments, and other amazing creations. Robert donated many of his bowls to charity fundraisers, and gave many others away as gifts.

More than 150 of Robert’s bowls have been distributed throughout the country to his expansive family of 5 generations – all of which have had the honor to know and love him. Robert also had a dry sense of humor and many jokes which he shared with all.

He is survived by his loving wife Dorothy; daughter Rebecca Ann (Radford) Rader; sons Thomas Craig (Ann) Evans and David Bruce (Denise) Evans; step daughters Janet Elaine (Russ) Sammons, Christine Lorraine (Joe) Blackwell, Cynthia Ann Logan; and step-son Douglas Ray (Melanie) Wright.

He is survived by 16 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, and his 3 brothers, Ronald C. Evans, Howard O. Evans, and Jon A. Evans, and by step-son in-law, George Logan.

In lieu of flowers, Dorothy requests that donations be made to Littleton United Methodist Church at 5894 S. Datura St, Littleton CO 80120 or Dignity Hospice at 400 E. 84th Ave. W-202, Thornton CO 80229.