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His Legacy . . . Roger Louis Evans, 86, passed away on April 22, 2026. He was born on May 10, 1939, in Excelsior, West Virginia to George Evans and Lydia (Mahone) Evans, the youngest of seven siblings. Roger proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for three years before settling in Ypsilanti, Michigan, to be closer to family. On June 23, 1962, he married the love of his life, Denise Legault. Roger dedicated 40 years to General Motors, starting as a skilled tradesman and working his way up to engineer – a career built on hard work, craftsmanship, and quiet pride.
In retirement, Roger and Denise traveled extensively in their motor home, eventually settling in Texas for the winter months. While there, he discovered a passion for woodcarving that led him to become a longtime volunteer for Bennett’s Beavers, a local charitable organization that crafts wooden toys for donation to children’s hospitals across the country. He was also an active member of his local senior center, where he formed many meaningful friendships.
Roger cherished over 50 years of deer hunting and the camaraderie of deer camp, a tradition that began with his oldest brother Walter and lives on through generations. A lifelong Detroit sports fan, his devotion to the University of Michigan Wolverines was legendary among family and friends; he bled maize and blue. Known for his gift of storytelling, Roger eventually captured his memories and experiences by writing a book about his life, leaving behind not only stories told, but stories preserved. Above all, Roger will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was known for his generosity, strong faith, and his great sense of humor and will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.
His Family . . . Roger is survived by his children, Tony (Margaret) Evans, Pam (Tod) Borton and Gail Evans; his sister, Irene Click; grandchildren Aaron (Brittany) Evans, Derek (Heather) Evans, Joshua (Rachael) Borton, Kyle (Rachael) Borton and Carlie (Alec) Richards; and great-grandchildren Wesley, Andrew and Harper Denise Evans, and Bennett and Roran Borton. He was preceded in death by his parents George and Lydia Evans; his wife of 52 years, Denise Evans; and his siblings Walter Evans, Robert Evans, Betty Behr, Jerry Evans, and Dennis Evans.
His Farewell . . . Family and friends are invited to gather for a Celebration of Life on Friday, June 5, 2026, at Chilson Hills Church (4440 Brighton Rd, Howell, Michigan). Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 a.m., followed by a service from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Please join the family for a luncheon immediately following the service. Memorial contributions may be made in Roger’s honor to Bennett’s Beavers (https://www.bennettsbeavers.com/about/contributors/). Please leave a message of comfort for Roger’s family at 1-877-231-7900 or sign his guestbook at www.borekjennings.com.
To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.
Bennetts Beavers
P.O. Box 215, Hamburg MI 48139
Web: https://www.bennettsbeavers.com/donate/
