Evelyn Jane Gann

Evelyn Jane Gann (Sims) was born June 13, 1929 to Hiram Nelson Sims and Sevie Merle Pierce Sims in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. While still an infant, the family traveled to Texas to look for work during the depression. The family settled in the Austin, area and managed to survive through those difficult years.

Evelyn recalled having to shoot pigeons in the attic of the old two story house they lived in just to have something to eat.

As a child, Evelyn attended the one room Fiskville School, located in the pioneer community of Fiskville. The first school was built in 1867 and the later school building was built in 1907. She fondly remembered occasionally riding a horse to school.

World War 2 soon erupted and changed lives forever. Evelyn did her part by building bomb boxes in a building located near the intersection of North Lamar and Airport Blvd.

After the war, Evelyn met Harvey Elwood Gann who had just returned from serving in WW2. Harvey served as the Engineer/Top turret gunner on a B24, who was later shot down, and held as a POW. Harvey and Evelyn married October 12, 1946 and had two daughters, Sandra Lynette born 1949 and Deborah Jane born 1954.

Harvey supported his family by working long hours as a police officer at the Austin Police Department, taking overtime assignments, and occasionally restoring cars on his days off to sell. Evelyn worked as a telephone operator for Southwestern Bell for a time and then worked full time as a homemaker. Evelyn was an excellent seamstress and made most of her daughter's dresses. She even experimented and made a 'Leisure Suit' popular in the 70s for Harvey.

Evelyn was a police officer's wife and, with that, endured long nights and days worrying about her husband. They made many friends within the police department and were very active socially. They joined Austin Saengerrunde Club where they participated in the womens and mens singing groups, traveling to Germany performing with their German club counterpart. Evelyn was an excellent artist and was a member of the Austin Palette Club. She enjoyed playing the harmonica and played the dulcimer with members of a local dulcimer club.

Harvey and Evelyn moved from Austin to Lake Travis in the home they built in the mid 70s and enjoyed fishing, swimming, sailing, and gardening for many years. She was a founding member of the Lago Vista Womens Club and she and Harvey were members of the square dance group ' The Swinging Lakers'.

Harvey served with the 449th Bomb Group, during World War 2 and, after the war the veterans began having reunions in various locations throughout the US, Germany, and Italy. Evelyn accompanied Harvey on all these trips and made many friends.

Harvey and Evelyn also spent close to 10 years selling Harveys book about his POW experience at Fredericksburg Trade Days. Where Evelyn sat by his side offering support and handling the money box.

Evelyn's beloved husband of 77 years, Harvey Elwood, passed away March 25th, 2024.

She is survived by daughter Deborah Ledesma and husband Richard. of Lago Vista, Texas. Sandra Allen of Lacey, Washington. Grandchildren Joshua Allen and wife Ellen of Spokane, Washington. Susannah Lozen and husband Bobby of Loveland, Colorado. Rebecca Rojas and husband Daniel of Lacey, Washington. Benjamin Allen and wife Eileen of Spokane, Washington. And 15 great grandchildren of Washington state and Colorado.