Richard Lyle Evans

Chief Richard Lyle Evans, USN (Ret.), 75, longtime Oak Harbor resident, entered into rest Aug. 18, 2008 at his home following a lengthy battle with cancer.

Mr. Evans was born on McNeil Island on Nov. 4, 1932, to Jack Frank Evans and Adelaide (Craig) Evans. He was raised in Neah Bay. Richard married Patricia N. Hawkins on March 3, 1957, in Inglewood, Calif. He served in the U.S. Navy for 23 years active duty and six years as a reservist, retiring as chief (E-7) in 1975.

Richard and Patricia moved to Oak Harbor in 1969. Following his retirement from the Navy, the couple owned and operated Island Custom Upholstery for 12 years, after which they joined in with Joseph’s Antiques and Upholstery for another 12 years. Richard was an active member of the Oak Harbor Lions Club for 15 years, and was director of Camp Horizon at Birch Bay for 10 of those years. He enjoyed fishing with his sons.

Richard is survived by his wife Patricia, at home; five children, Jack Evans (Pam) of Oak Harbor, Richard Evans II of Oak Harbor, Steven Evans (Lisa) of Bellingham; Pamela Evans of Oak Harbor, and Lisa Evans of Gladys, Va.; 10 grandchildren, Lisa Jones (Dan) of Moscow, Idaho, Jennifer Dolanski (Brian), Kathleen Evans, Angela Evans and Richard Evans III, of Oak Harbor, Christopher Evans (Katherine) and Tyler Evans of Bellingham, Kristen Turner and Courtney Turner of Oak Harbor, and Jack Turner, USMC, stationed at Oceana, Va; two great-grandchildren, Isaac and Emily Jones; two brothers, Neal Evans (Mary) of Grass Valley, Calif., and Burt Evans (Jo) of Ridgefield; brother-in-law Floyd Hawkins (Mary) of Oak Harbor; also, numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. He was preceded in death by a daughter-in-law Laura Jo Evans on May 14, 2008.

Burial at sea will take place under the auspices of the U.S. Navy. Those wishing may make donations to the Oak Harbor Lions Club, may do so by calling Bill Cheaqui at 240-9483. Family and friends wishing may sign the online guest register by going to www.whidbeymemorial.com. Arrangements are with the assistance of Whidbey Memorial Funeral & Cremation Service, Inc., Oak Harbor.