Lenard L. Evans, 84, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, teacher, and friend passed away September 30, 2017, at the memory care unit of Capital Manor located in Salem, Oregon.
Lenard was born in Plummerville, Arkansas June 26, 1933 to Lenard Lee and Wilma Evans. When Lenard was 4 years old, his family moved west and settled in Fruitland, Idaho. He graduated from Fruitland High School and went on to the College of Idaho located in Caldwell, playing basketball and earning a degree in Biology.
Lenard met the love of his life, Patricia Ann, while at the College of Idaho and they were married in 1955 in Boise. Shortly after graduating from college, Lenard served in the United States Army and was stationed in Columbus, Ohio. While in Ohio, Lenard and Patricia welcomed their first child, Ken.
Following their time in Ohio, Lenard and his family moved back to Caldwell where he took his first teaching job. It was during this time that Kym, their second child, was born. The family moved once again, this time to Salem, when Lenard was offered an opportunity to teach science and math at the new Walker Middle School located in West Salem. Shortly after arriving in Salem, Lenard and Pat welcomed their third child Karen. Lenard taught and coached several sports during his 30 years at Walker, with basketball always being one of his favorites. He was a lifelong learner and was honored with three National Science Foundation Grants during his teaching career which allowed him to travel to New Mexico and New York and spend time at Oregon State University in Corvallis.
Lenard was an avid outdoorsman and an accomplished fisherman and hunter. During his summers he enjoyed playing tennis, playing in many tournaments around the state. He was the first tennis pro who taught at Illahee Country Club and later went on to serve as the Salem City Tennis Director (Department of Recreation) for more than a decade. Bird watching was also a passion of Lenard’s and he could often be found taking pictures or teaching his grandchildren about various birds and insects. Lenard and his wife loved to travel visiting Europe, Mexico, and Hawaii many times. They fell in love with Green Valley, Arizona and after retirement they spent winters in Arizona coming back to Salem every summer. Lenard was a longtime member of the Methodist church and a 52 year member of the Masonic Order and the Elks.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years Pat; his son Ken Evans and wife Michele - children Garrett and Parker; daughter Kym Briggs and husband Anthony - children Lindsay and Brittany, and great-grandson Champ; daughter Karen Cashman and husband Matt – and son Evan. Although he was predeceased by his parents, he is survived by his brother, Robert Evans of Fruitland, Idaho; 6 nieces and nephews; and several cousins who were very close to him. Funeral services will be held Friday, October 6, 2017 at 2:00 pm at Restlawn Funeral Home. Interment Restlawn Memory Gardens.
The family would like to thank the care givers at Capital Manor – Memory Care for their love, compassion, and support. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the NW Steelheaders’ Association or the National Audubon Society. Arrangements by Restlawn Funeral Home.