Robert Frances Evans

Sunrise for the life of Robert Francis Evans began November 16, 1934, in Charleston, West Virginia. He was the youngest of eight children born to William and Ollie Brown Evans. Affectionately known as “Bobby” to his family and friends, his formative years were spent in the east end of Charleston where he attended Kanawha County public schools, graduating in 1952, from Garnet High School. After graduation Bobby matriculated to West Virginia State College (now University) for a semester, and then enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served his country for four years. Upon discharge from the Navy, he returned to college to complete his education. While in college he met Sandra, who immediately became the love of his life.

On January 30, 1960, Bobby was joined in holy matrimony to Sandra Anita Davis in Charleston, WV. To this union two beautiful baby girls were born. Kelly Michelle in August, 1962, and Kristi Lyn in November, 1967.  Early in their marriage the newlyweds made their home on the west side of Charleston, and in 1967 moved to the community known as Pinewood Park in Institute. He and Sandra have continued to reside at this  same location for fifty-six years where they raised their two daughters, Kelly and Kristi in this nurturing community.

Bobby was employed by Union Carbide Corporation in l960 as a Laboratory Technician at the Institute plant. He later was transferred to their Research and Development facility in South Charleston and worked as a Spectroscopist Research Technician until his retirement. In that position he was the analyst technician for the Bhopal, India explosion that is still talked about today. Bobby was upset that they cancelled his California vacation plans with his family but was honored that they chose him to do the job needed.

Bobby and Sandra loved to travel, and they were "on the road" with their daughters frequently. They also loved traveling with other family members and friends. Bobby loved to "go" and did not wait until retirement. His life was filled with love and making sure that his family was happy and "stayed on track" accomplishing what they needed to do to make it in this life.

And then came the two grandchildren. This was the light of his life. Evan and Lesli were, from the beginning, his legacy. The love he felt for these children was beyond all else. Eight trips to Disney World, beach every summer, but watch out kids. Stay on target! Don't upset "Dadoo". Keep those grades up, we have values that we must adhere to; always remain respectful and love everybody. Hey! "Let's go ride that roller coaster over there. Looks like that's fun". That's Dadoo....          

Robert loved sports, politics, and keeping abreast of everything happening in the world and all around him. One of his favorite places was to the library, which he visited no less than three times a week. Robert was so knowledgeable and could have discussions with friends on almost any subject that would come up.

Football, basketball, and golf were Robert’s favorite sports and forms of relaxation. He loved watching the games, but golf was his own personal outlet in playing the game. Robert belonged to the Kanawha Valley Golf Club and enjoyed the travel and fraternity of fellowship with his golf buddies. The friendships he made, the memories he had were what made him happy when he reached that time when he could no longer play the game. Robert also belonged to the Bachelor Benedict Men's Club and loved the fellowship with those friends until his end came.        

Sunset occurred unexpectedly a week before Bobby’s eighty-ninth birthday. The strokes of the bell silently tolled for him while his family was present at his side. The peal of the bell signaled the departure of his well-lived life being traversed to his maker on November 8, 2023. In conclusion, Bobby had crossed the “sandbar between the river of life, with its outgoing flood,” and the ocean that lies beyond death, the boundless deep” to which we all return.

Prior to Bobby’s embarkment, his entire life was lived serenely and securely in preparation for this journey. The river of life at times was rough but he preserved in hopes of one day meeting his Pilot face to face. The Pilot, who was his creator, had guided him throughout his life.

Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, beloved daughter, Kelly Michelle Evans Martin,  six siblings, four brothers; J. B., William, George and Albert, Sr., two sisters, Gertrude Evans Coles, and Anna Evans Gilmer.

Those left to cherish and celebrate his memory are his devoted wife of sixty-three years, Sandra, loving daughter, Kristi, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, grandson, Evan Scott Dupree of Dunbar, WV, granddaughter, Lesli Ajanai Evans of Virginia Beach, Virginia, one very special surviving sister, Margaret Evans Sawyers of Columbus, Ohio, sister-in-law, Deborah Davis Jackson (Frederick) of Bluffton, SC, brother-in-law, Robert Johnson, of Atlanta, GA, and a host of nieces, nephews, loving relatives and many dear friends.

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