ASHTABULA — Rev. Donald Edward Evans Sr., age 83, was led to his eternal home with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2012.
The beloved son of John and Lula (McCray) Evans, he was born on August 15, 1929, in Cleveland, Ohio. Donald had been an Ashtabula County resident since 1965.
Donald and Ida Stinson were married on August 19, 1950 and together they celebrated fifty-one years of marriage; prior to her death on Nov. 2, 2001. A Veteran of the United States National Guard, Donald joined in 1949 and was honorably discharged in 1952 after having achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant.
His ordination in 1960 at Second Mount Carmel Baptist Church, with his mentor, Rev. Gilbert, officiating was one of his most sacred memories. After moving to Ashtabula, he and Ida became members of Greater Promise Baptist Church of Ashtabula, with the Rev. George Lampkin as his pastor. He enjoyed teaching Sunday school and studying the Bible and sharing the word of God with all those in need of spiritual healing. Donald was a man with a servant’s heart; he volunteered at many local long-term care facilities. He enjoyed singing and playing the guitar and piano for the residents while visiting; he was affiliated with the Country Neighbor program for many years.
Donald was a valued employee of General Tire and Rubber for nineteen and one half years; from where he retired.
A wonderful husband, dad, grandpa, great-grandpa and friend; Donald will be remembered for his wisdom, courage, and love of family and friends.
His survivors include his children; two sons, Donald E. Evans Jr. of Pittsburgh and Arthur F. Evans of Leesburg, Va.; four daughters, Vivian (John) Hughes of Erie, Pa. and Dale (Rev. Michael) McCombs and Donna Evans, both of Ashtabula, and Daphne Evans of San Francisco, Calif.; 20 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren; his brother, James Evans of Cleveland; many loving nieces and nephews; and his friend, Maxine Johnson of Orwell.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ida Stinson Evans; brothers, Melvin, Albert, Charles and Cecil Evans; and sisters, Bessie Edwards and Doris Capito; and his parents.
Funeral Services will be 9:30 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 1st, at DUCRO FUNERAL SERVICES AND CREMATORY, 4524 Elm Ave., Ashtabula, with the Rev. Dr. German Womack, pastor of People’s Missionary Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will be in Western Reserve Cemetery in Chesterland, Ohio. Military Honors will be provided by Dewey-Howlett American Legion Post #103, Ashtabula, Ohio.
Calling Hours will be observed from 2 to 4 p.m., Friday, Nov. 30th, at the Funeral Home.
