Stanley K. Evans passed away peacefully Thursday, August 19, 2020. He was a caring man of many talents. He had a quick wit and a warm smile that made a person feel safe and loved. He will be greatly missed.
Stan was born August 20, 1934 in Everly, Iowa to Roger Russell Evans and Irma Catherine Evans (Gehrens). The family moved to Long Beach, California in 1942. He graduated from Long Beach Polytechnic High School where he was active in sports and band. He spent a year at Long Beach City College then followed in his father’s footsteps and became an electrician. He was a member of the IBEW for over 65 years.
In 1954, Stan returned to LBCC to study engineering, which lead to a new career as a Design Engineer for North American Autonetics the following year. This career was interrupted by 2 years of service in the U.S. Army. He was stationed at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas where he got to play with guided missile systems.
Stan returned to North American Autonetics after his military service. He worked on various cutting edge projects in Logistic and Information Systems, finishing his career helping to create the multimedia room. He retired from the company, which had become part of Boeing, in 1999 after 44 years of dedication to his job.
More important to Stan than work was family, friends and enjoying the great outdoors. Stanley Kent Evans and Marilyn Jo Ward were married on March 9, 1956. Married for 33 years, they raised 4 children; Michael, Paul, Pamela, and James, in their house in Long Beach. He encouraged his children to be respectful, hard working and to do well in school. That family now includes 10 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.
As a boy growing up in Long Beach, Stan and his dad, Roger, were active in the Boy Scouts. That tradition continued with Stan and his older boys, Mike and Paul. Boy Scouts became an important feature in his life as one of the adult leaders of Troop 212. Between hauling gear to frequent campouts or hauling newspapers to help support the troop financially, Stan and his pick-up truck were always on the move. He most enjoyed backpacking, completing the John Muir Trail and conquered most of the peaks in Southern California multiple times. He always set an example for the boys to follow on their journey to adulthood.
Stan involved the whole family with scouting including summer camps and family campouts. In addition, he supported daughter Pam in her Campfire Girl activities. When his youngest son Jim wanted to play baseball, Stan put on his baseball cap and got involved by assisting with practices and cheering on game day. Another passion he pursued was racquetball. He enjoyed the workout and the camaraderie into his late 60’s.
Stan and Marilyn were divorced in 1989. After the divorce he met Sarah Herndon. They spent 30 years together in Cypress. Sarah brought a new branch to his family including 6 grandchildren who referred to him as “Stanpa, Papa Stan, and, during the holidays, Stanta Clause” and 2 great grandchildren.
Retirement saw new adventures, top among them were fishing and narrow gage steam trains. He planned his travel around both, preferably with his buddies from his Scouting days. There were many stories told and pranks played during those outings but laughter was always the main ingredient.
Stan’s character was an inspiration to those who knew him. His humor infected all who came in contact with him. His bright broad smile touched all those around him.
A visitation for Stan will be held on Friday, September 4, 2020 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the Westminster Memorial Park Lakeside Chapel. Services will be held on Saturday, September 5, 2020 at 10:00 am in the Westminster Memorial Park Lakeside Chapel with a graveside service to follow. Arrangements under the direction of Westminster Memorial Park, 14801 Beach Blvd. Westminster, CA 92683. (714) 893-2421
Due to State and Local Mandate regarding COVID-19, only a limited number of people are permitted to attend. Please call for further information.
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