Mathew John Evans

Mathew is survived by his beloved wife - Dawn Marie Lindblade, his mother - Betsy Evans, his sister and brother-in-law - Erika and Wayne Reid, and several special nieces and nephews - Ember, Talon, Blaise, Isabella, Mia, Ava, Noah, Julia and Jane. His is predeceased by his father - Robert Evans and his loving grandparents - Helen and John Gray, and Mary and John Evans.

Mathew was born in Charlottesville, VA on February 23, 1979; lived for a time in Troy, AL and was raised predominantly in Chesapeake, OH. He graduated from Chesapeake High School in 1997 and received a bachelor's degree in music from Miami University of Ohio in 2001. He continued his education at Florida State University and Bowling Green State University, where he earned a master's degree in horn performance in 2007. He lived in Edmond, OK for the past five years while pursuing a doctorate in horn performance from the University of Oklahoma.

Mathew met his wife, Dawn Marie, while touring Europe in 1996 with the International Symphonic Band of Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp. It was a life changing experience for both and they remained friends following. They began dating in October 2010 and were engaged surrounded by family on Christmas morning in 2015. The couple was married on October 22nd, 2016 in Chesapeake, VA surrounded in love by family and friends. Mathew and Dawn's love was evident to all, and Mathew was a true romantic. His last written words to Dawn were a testament to this, "All I want to do is love you for the rest of my life."

An accomplished hornist, educator and arranger, Mathew touched the lives of many in the music community. He began his path towards a career in music in the choir at St. Ann Catholic Church with his family, and his voice was a gift to all who worshipped alongside him. Mathew enjoyed many of his teenage summers at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp. It would have been impossible to know at the time how summers spent at camp would change the course of his life. His interest and deep-seated desire to understand music and the horn, specifically, was truly a lifelong pursuit.

Mathew's imagination was full of heroes and dragons (accompanied by a majestic cinema horn soundtrack). He will forever get to play the role of knight in shining armor for everyone. Mathew was an organ donor - not a surprise to those who knew and witnessed his kindness and generosity - and his last heroic gift provided organs that will help more than sixty people.

Mathew's passion and calling was music and he loved to play. He was energized by listening, arranging and playing bold, dramatic works that show the horn's full potential. He played his horn with a confidence and bravado that belied his typically reserved disposition. Personally, Mathew conveyed a calmness and kindness, but those closest to him also saw his boyish playfulness, humor, and true joy. He has been described as a toasted marshmallow - crusty on the outside but soft and mushy inside.

The family requests in lieu of flowers that donations be made toward a scholarship fund in his name at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp that will provide a life-changing opportunity for another talented hornist. Donations can be made online at http://bluelake.org/support/ and click the support button. Please be sure to type 'Mathew Evans Scholarship Fund' in the comments field. Checks can also be mailed to BLFAC directly at the address below with 'Mathew Evans Scholarship' in the memo line.

Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp

300 E. Crystal Lake Road

Twin Lake, MI 49457

Public visitation for Mathew with be held at Baggerley Funeral Home from 12:00pm-5:00pm with a rosary service at 6:00pm on Sunday, December 11, 2016. The address is 930 S. Broadway, Edmond, OK 73034.

A funeral mass will take place on Monday, December 12, 2016 at 10:30am at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. The address is 900 S. Littler Ave, Edmond, OK 73034.