Evan Hammer

Evan started working at a very young age. At six years old he was selling newspapers for the LA times. He then got a bike and delivered papers with his dog, Boy. He started driving legally at 14 still delivering papers with a large route. He also worked two other jobs selling corn and working at his father's wrecking yard.

During most summers, he would come to Fresno to visit his grandmother and his uncle, Earl Evans and his wife, Marie. While he did enjoy the movies - and a donut shop where Club One Casino stands. He would work at his uncle's business, Evans Electric and learned to build generators. He graduated from Excelsior High in Norwalk, CA when he was 17 and promptly headed back to his 2nd home in Fresno.

He was living in a boarding house when he remembered the announcement on the radio telling of the attack on Pearl Harbor. He signed up for the Army before he turned 18. He sailed with other men overseas on the Queen Mary to, as he said, "work for Uncle Sam" for the next three years. He served proudly in England, Belgium and France. Upon his return he moved permanently to Fresno working for his uncle.

He would have breakfast every morning at the waffle shop across from General Hospital and met a nurse who worked the graveyard shift. Her name was Ruth Funke. They would eat breakfast enjoying each other's company. She told Evan of her beautiful daughter, Virginia. Virginia came to meet this "wonderful young man". They went out that night 65 years ago this last November and went out every night and married on May 10, 1947. They fell in love at first sight and their love endures.

They had four children Evan Jr., Douglas, Jackie (Jacqueline) and Ruthie who never left the hospital. When his uncle died in 1955, he purchased Evans Electric from his widow soon after and founded Evans Rebuilt Parts in Fresno in 1960, Evans Electric in Bakersfield in 1965, and purchased Armature Service in 1970. He was a very successful businessman and everyone that knew him never had a bad word or thought about him. He worked until he had an accident last July.

Evan was an Indian Guide leader, Cub Scout leader, Boy scout leader, Fresno State Booster since 1962, served as president for the SPCA 1977-78 & 1995-97, and served 3 six year terms on the board. He was active in the Fresno Elk's Lodge, President for the Automotive Parts Association in 1992 (the APRA) and served on their board for years. Evan and Virginia purchased a parcel at Courtright Village and built a cabin with sign in the front that said "Evan's Heaven". He became an avid fisherman. He also got hooked on golfing when he was in his 50's and became a member at Belmont Country Club and met wonderful friends and had much fun.

Evan is preceded in death by his daughter, Ruth Esther, father, Peter, Mother, Juanita, and brother, Dick. His is survived by his loving family, wife, Virginia, children, Evan Jr. and his wife Darla of Fresno; Douglas and his girlfriend, Tammy of Fresno, and Jackie and her husband, David Gilo of Sanger, grandchildren, Evan III, Joscelyne, Ashly, David, and John, great grandchildren, Klaus, Kassady, Colt, Lily, and Taelyn. Sisters, Marie, Ruth, Patricia, and Donna. Evan loved everyone, had no enemies and helped many people that were less fortunate because his heart was so big. He will be missed every day but will live in our hearts forever.

The family thanks all the St. Agnes doctors nurses and nursing assistants of the West Wing, 2nd floor for all their kindness as well as our home caretakers.

Visitation will be at Lisle Funeral Home on Monday, January 9, 2012 from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm. A Funeral Service will be held at St. James Anglican Cathedral on Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at 10:00 am. Interment will follow at Belmont Memorial Park.

Arrangements under the direction of Lisle Funeral Home, Fresno, CA.