Leslie "Sonny" Evans

Les Evans, 79, passed from this life November 14, 2014 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. Known to his family as “Sonny”, a life long nickname given by his baby sister, he was born Leslie Wayne Evans to Henry and Margaret (Christian) Evans on May 1, 1935 in Fresno, CA. He was raised in the Central San Joaquin Valley, the oldest of four children.

He graduated from Mt. Whitney High School and continued his education at College of the Sequoias, where he discovered a gift for working with his hands, helping to build the platform which holds the COS Giant statue that stands at the front of the campus. Many years of personal wood working projects followed.

While living in Visalia he met and married his wife of 58 years, Louise Gallamore. Moving to Englewood they began a family but sadly lost their first son at birth. One year later, Les was drafted into the Army in March 1958, where he trained as a light vehicle driver and served in Korea for 13 months. While Les was deployed, Louise delivered their second son. A third son joined the family three and a half years later. After discharge from the Army, Les worked for 33 years in the warehouse at Armstrong/Pirelli Tires.

In his spare time and after retiring, Les enjoyed spending every possible moment in the mountains at the family cabin, camping trips with best friends to Pismo Beach and Tahoe and spending time with family, especially the foremost joys of his life, granddaughters Lori and Amber.

Les was one of the most selfless men you’d ever meet. He loved helping his family and friends and would often show up to mow a lawn or hang up Christmas lights without being asked. He never met a stranger and always made a point to visit with neighbors or someone just walking by.

Les is preceded in death by his parents Henry and Marge; son Jeffrey Lee; sister Eleanor Mae Rayford and great-granddaughter Kylie Revious. He is survived by his wife Louise; brothers Gilbert R. Evans and Roger Evans both of Hanford; sister-in-law Judy K Gallamore of Hanford; children Darrell Evans (Betty) of Lancaster and Troy Evans (Nancy) of Hanford; along with 5 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held at Grangeville Cemetery in Armona, Friday November 21st at 11:00 a.m. Arrangements are by People’s Funeral Chapel.

The family wishes to thank Sierra Vista Healthcare Center, Fresno and Bright Horizons Hospice Care, as well as those who called, sent well wishes and provided meals.

Memorial donations can be made to Veterans Affairs Central CA Health Care System (VACCHCS) 2615 E Clinton Ave, Rm E107, Fresno, CA 93703 or Wounded Warrior Project P.O. Box 758517 Topeka, Kansas 66675