Richard “Dick” Merrill Evans

Richard Merrill Evans, 85, of Santa Barbara, passed away on August 2, 2010 with his family at his side.

Dick was born in Stockton, California on May 27, 1925 to Stanley Merrill and Kay Evans. After graduating from High School, he joined the Navy and fought in the Pacific during World War II.

He married the late Jeanne Bowen in April of 1948 and settled in Lodi, California where they started their family, having three children. In 1956, the family moved to Santa Barbara, and added two more children to the family. In 1969, the family relocated to Honolulu, Hawaii where they spent the next 15 years. After the death of his wife, Dick moved back to Santa Barbara with his son and family. Here he meet and spent the rest of his days with Winifred Hayes, over 22 years.

Dick worked at a variety of careers, including real estate, frozen foods and chemicals business. He spent over 20 years as part of The Independent’s distribution team. He was named a Local Hero by The Independent in 2006. He also traveled the world.

Along with his Life Partner, he is survived by four children: Pamela Currin (John) of Palm Desert; Randall Evans (Joan) and Amy Evans of Santa Barbara; and Colleen Evans of Colorado. His wife Jeanne and son Mark predeceased him. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

Dick was more than a husband, father, grandfather, partner, or friend; he was our family’s hero. He was a kind, generous, loving, hardworking family man with a great sense of humor. We were truly blessed to have him in our lives.

A memorial will be held at 11:00 am this Saturday, August 7, 2010 at the west end of the Goleta Beach Park. He will be laid to rest with his wife at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl) in Honolulu, Hawaii.
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An In Memoriam has been written by the Independent staff available here.