Vern Evans, 80 passed away at home April 25, 2017. Vern was born May 26, 1936 in Colton California to Guy A. Evans and Anna (Rena) L. Vandergrif. He grew up in San Bernardino California where he met his wife Vonnie. Together with their 5 children they moved to Montana where Vern was a surveyor and draftsman with Morrison Mairele water and sewer department for 42 years. Not long after moving to Montana, Vern established Vern Evans Map Service servicing Helena and the surrounding areas for more than 50 years. Vern enjoyed being a volunteer fireman with the West Valley Volunteer Fire Department for 20 years and a trustee for 4 years. All that knew him knew his love for classic cars. He was a member of the Helena Street Rodders for 31 years, helping to organize many parades, car shows, and other events. Vern and his wife Vonnie began the Last Chance Cruising Association and could be found cruising the local area for over 25 years. He was also involved with the Helena Valley Timing Association since inception and enjoyed 8 years as part of the Ford Club. Along with Vern’s various car club interests, he enjoyed teaching and playing chess with his grandchildren and great grandchildren, camping for over 40 years with family and friends at Holland Lake. We will all miss his presence at the many friend and family gatherings he so enjoyed and his infectious smile and quick sense of humor.
Vern is survived by: his wife Vonnie, his children Mike (Betty) Evans, Dona (Gery) Carpenter, Lori Evans (Chris Leighton), Ron Evans, Julia Christian; brothers and sisters: Doris Dadey, Greg Coon, Butch (Jane) Maas, Pam (Pat) Denoma, Debbie (Paul) Eaton; grandchildren Amanda (Josh) Cannon, Jylian (Dave) Beery, Brian Evans, Erik Evans, Chelsi (Josh) Dupler, Vanessa Simanton (Mike Brennan), Rachel Christian; great grandchildren Destri Cannon, Taylor Cannon, Jaron Cannon, Elias Beery, Ava Beery, Holland Beery, Jayden Dupler, Nathan Dupler, Lucas Dupler; and numerous extended family. Vern is preceded in death by his parents Guy A. Evans and Rena L. Vandergrif, his sisters Carol Underwood and Merry Evans.
Celebration of Vern’s life will be Friday May 5, 2017 at 11:00 am at Anderson, Stevenson Wilke 3750 N Montana Ave, Helena, MT 59602 with a potluck reception immediately following in the social hall of the funeral home. Interment will be at Forestvale Cemetery following the reception. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Our Lady of the Valley Church 1502 Shirley Rd, Helena, MT 59602, Carrol College 1601 North Benton Avenue Helena MT 59601, or donor’s choice. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Vern.
Service Schedule
Viewing
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Thursday May 4, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Friday May 5, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Potluck Reception
Following the celebration of life
Friday May 5, 2017
Social hall of the funeral home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Graveside Service
Following the reception
Friday May 5, 2017
Forestvale Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Viewing
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Thursday May 4, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Friday May 5, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Potluck Reception
Following the celebration of life
Friday May 5, 2017
Social hall of the funeral home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Graveside Service
Following the reception
Friday May 5, 2017
Forestvale Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
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Denise says
It won’t be the same without you, Uncle Vern. Well at least I know now that Chevy guys are allowed in Heaven. There are already some wrench-turners and Engineers up there, so you are in good company. Enjoy having all the MGDs your heart desires. And I will keep the wheels turning on the car like you told me. Thanks for all the great memories and cruises.
Susan & Rich Proul says
Vonnie and family, we are so sorry to hear of Vern’s passing. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Shirley Cole says
Vonnie and family, my deepest sympathy to you and your family members. I always had a good time when I was around the two of you. Take care and may God grant you peace and keep you in the palm of His hand. God bless.
Leona Zaharko says
Vonnie and Mike – my deepest sympathies. I knew Vern cause of his map making. My friend and I bought them every year. And Mike, of course, from the VA. SO sorry.
Rae Jerrel says
Vonnie and Family – my prayers and thoughts are of you during this time. May God be ever present and a great comfort to you.
Jim Benish says
My wife and I enjoyed visiting with Vern at the health club. He will be missed by many.
Jackie says
Vonnie and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Blessings.
Steve Wong says
Very sad to hear Vern has checked out. He was a genuine person and a real car guy, with Detroit iron flowing through his veins. I will miss seeing his great smile from underneath that straw hat as he carried out some car club task he volunteered for. As long there are red Chevys, Vern Evans will be remembered. My thoughts and prayers are with Vonnie and the family.
Jimmy and Kristie says
Vonnie and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Vern was a great guy and always so much fun. Sending all of you love and hugs and prayers. With sympathy, Jimmy and Kristie LaValley.
James & Mary Fried says
Wish you God’s Speed in your red El Camino….
Thanks Vern for always making me feel welcome with your smile. You always had a handshake for me and were a one of a kind person that the car guys & (all) will miss. You have joined a special group of car guys (Mike Ford, Al Rose, Mickey) that will keep you company with stories and laughing forever.
Santa Jim and Mary Fried