Don Gene Evans, Jr.

Don Gene Evans, Jr. was born on September 4th, 1946 in Miami Beach, Florida to Don Gene Evans, Sr. and Joy “Muzzie” Evans. He passed away on August 5th, 2021 at the age of 74, after his battle with colon cancer. Don grew up in Miami, enjoying the sun and water of the Florida coast, then attended Wheaton College in Chicago, earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy. During his time at Wheaton, Don also became a commissioned officer in the US Army through the ROTC program. At Wheaton College, he met Elizabeth Hageman, and they married in 1969 (for 20 years).

Upon completing his undergraduate studies, Don went on to Yale University to earn his Master’s Degree in Philosophy—but stopped just short of completing his PhD. He used to say “I don’t want my hobby to be my whole livelihood,” but he continued his passion and research of the world’s great philosophers and many topics spanning history, family ancestry, religion, linguistics, and classical music. He amassed a personal library of over five-thousand books and thousands of records and CD’s. He spoke at least five languages, including English, German, Latin, French, and Italian (much of it learned from Italian opera!).

Don was stationed in northern Germany as part of the NATO intelligence contingent, where he went on to become a Captain in the Army. During their time in Germany, Don and Elizabeth had a son, Douglas Evans. Don and family moved back to the US in 1976, and he was honorably discharged at Homestead Air Force Base in Miami after serving for 7 years. He then began a 30-year career in medical diagnostics sales with multiple companies, introducing the first blood tests for HIV and Hepatitis C, among others.

In 2011, he retired at the age of 65 and moved to Austin, Texas to be close to his son’s family. Don was a very active “grandpa” with his two grandsons, Daniel and Donovan, and family’s life, often traveling with them to various destinations around the US and the world, including trips to Poland, Germany, France, England, Wales, and Mexico (most recently in March of this year). He always enjoyed teaching his family about the history of each site and sharing interesting stories of each place. Don was also an active leader in his grandsons’ local Scout troop, providing guidance and mentorship. He was a wonderful part of the everyday lives of his family and close friends as a father, grandfather, and caring soul for the many people who knew and loved him.

Don is survived by his son Douglas Evans and grandsons Daniel and Donovan Evans in Austin, Texas; his sister Diane Anderson and brother-in-law George Anderson in Freeland, Maryland; former spouse Elizabeth Evans in Austin, Texas; former daughter-in-law Magdalena Evans in Austin, Texas, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Don and Joy Evans; his twin brother Douglas Evans, his sister Gloria Charles, and brother-in-law Tommy Charles.