Jack H. Evans

Jack Howard Evans, 93, of Portage, went home peacefully to his Lord and Savior on February 5, 2023 at his home. Jack is truly an unforgettable man, and very appropriately, was listening to the song “Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole when he passed.

He was born in Plainwell, MI on June 11,1929 to Floyd and Bertha (Bonnema) Evans. Jack was raised in Kalamazoo, MI where he graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1947. Soon after graduating, he met the love of his life, Violet (Vi) Ann Sluka.  Jack spent the next 4 years in the United States Navy where he served in Communication Technology during the Korean War. After he was honorably discharged, he was united in marriage to Violet on July 25, 1953. Jack had many interests, one of his favorite activities was to take Vi dancing! He was a lifelong member of Lord of Life Lutheran Church and served on many committees and for the church council. He enjoyed bowling, golfing, biking, canoeing, gardening, euchre, bridge and spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He loved the company of family and friends and was known to be a good-natured gentleman with a quick wit and a great sense of humor. Jack worked for The Upjohn company most of his adult life, retiring in 1992. Jack was a member of The American Legion, The Eagles, VFW, and The Portage Senior Center.

Jack is survived by his wife, Violet Evans, his son David (Barbara) Evans, his daughter Brenda Gagie, grandchildren Margaret (Jeremy) Smith, Rebecca Evans, Elena Evans, Stephanie Evans, Andrew Gagie (Audrey), Anna (Bradley) Trullinger, great grandchildren, Jamie and Harrison Smith, Adele, Maeve, and Helen Gagie, Charlie, Henrik, and Beau Trullinger, and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Donald Evans, sister Jean Underwood, and son Dr. Thomas Evans.

Memorial services will be held at 12 noon Saturday, February 18, 2023 at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 9420 Portage Road, Portage, MI 49002, with visitation from 11 a.m. until noon. He will be laid to rest at Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be directed to Lord of Life Lutheran Church.

While visiting Jack’s webpage at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please sign the guestbook by lighting a candle, and/or sharing a memory with the family. The family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Home, Portage Chapel, 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage, MI. (269) 344-5600.