Donald Gene Evans Sr.

Donald Gene Evans Sr., 84, of Carterville, passed away Friday, November 6, 2020, at Memorial Hospital in Carbondale.

Due to the current situation with the COVID-19 pandemic, the increased activity and how it has personally affected our family, Private graveside services will be held for immediate family only.  However, the family would like those who can to join the live stream feed of services on Tuesday, November 10, 2020, at 11:00 a.m., via Riggin-Pillatsch & Burke Funeral Home's facebook page.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the family to help pay funeral expenses, to First Baptist Church Building Fund, or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Don was born January 19, 1936, in Jackson County, to James Amos and Lola Ethel (Henderson) Evans. He married Betty Joyce Rowland on October 8, 1955, in Carterville. Together they have shared 65 wonderful years.

He is survived by his loving wife, Betty Evans of Carterville; son, Donnie (Sherrill) Evans of Carterville; daughter, Tana Greenlee of Carterville; grandchildren, Cassandra (Michael) Dann of Energy, Anna Huniak of Hamel, Illinois, Emily (Ian) Lohnes of Cheyenne, Wyoming, Jonathan Evans of Carterville, Jamey LaBotte of Carterville, Kelsey (Casey) Oxford of Marion, Amy (Colin) Zelasko of Carterville, and Adam (Kristin) Greenlee of Cincinnati, Ohio; 21 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Starlette (John) Rowatt and Alice (Lowell) Hoover; brother-in-law, James (Georgia) Rowland; and many nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; brother, James Lonnie Evans; son, James "Jimmy" Evans; son-in-law, Joseph Greenlee; and sister-in-law, Shirley Watson.

He retired in 1996, from G.E. in Carbondale, after more than 25 years of service as a tool and die maker.  Don had previously worked as a machinist prior to his time at G.E.

Don was devout in his faith even to his last breath-he knew that Jesus awaited him. He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Carterville where he served as a Deacon, sang in the choir, and often in a quartet.

He was fondly known as "Mr. Fix-It" and was a gifted wood-worker. 

Don always had a kind smile and a giving heart, and he will be dearly missed.

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