Edward “Phillip” Evans passed away at home on September 13, 2021 at the age of 74. Phillip was born on July 2,1947 in Oklahoma to the late Edward (Ted) Lee Evans and Christine Haas Evans. He was the loving husband of Maria Antonieta Evans, beloved father of Geoffrey Evans (Dianna) and Amy Roman (Joel), and dear grandpa to Cole, Gemma, and Carys Roman. He was also the son-in-law of the late Graciela Valle and brother-in-law of the late Dr. Alberto Estrada, both of whom he loved immensely. He is lovingly remembered by all whose lives he touched.
Phillip valued service to others. After graduating from the University of Central Oklahoma, Phillip spent two years serving in the Peace Corps throughout Guatemala, a country that ignited his love of travel and would forever hold a special place in his heart.
Phillip’s passion for Guatemala with its diverse countryside, wildlife, and welcoming people led him to work hard to understand the culture and learn the language. When he first arrived, Phillip would sit with a newspaper and his dictionary each day, looking up every word he didn't know. Then, he would strive to use his newly learned words several times during the day. As a direct result of this unique and diligent practice, native Spanish speakers were frequently surprised by his fluency and extensive vocabulary.
It was also in Guatemala that Phillip found the love of his life. He met Maria, the beautiful daughter of a diplomat, and his ties to Guatemala grew even stronger. Phillip and Maria were married on January 5, 1973 in Guatemala City, Guatemala.
Phillip’s focus on service continued after leaving the Peace Corps and led him to spend 33 years at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City providing for his family.
Family meant everything to him. Phillip and Maria celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary in January, a loving example of true partnership. Phillip loved spending time with his son Geoffrey, daughter Amy, and later his grandchildren Cole, Gemma, and Carys. He especially enjoyed traveling with his family.
Phillip was a selfless and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. When his first grandchild was born, he spent 6 months traveling back and forth between Oklahoma City and Dallas to help take care of him. If at anytime a child or grandchild needed him for anything at all (no matter how big or small), he would happily drop everything and drive down to help. For example, once when his grandson Cole was sick and couldn’t sleep, Phillip stayed up all night with him talking and telling stories.
Phillip was also a man of faith. He came to the Church as a young adult and was especially drawn to the ritual of the Rosary in his later years. He found special joy in selecting perfect blossoms from his yard to present to the Blessed Mother.
It will surprise no one that Phillip’s other religion was supporting the Sooners. Although he did not attend the University of Oklahoma, his children did and he certainly bled Crimson Red. He also loved to learn about other cultures and history. Reading was one of his favorite things to do. Phillip was incredibly patient, witty, selfless, and kind. Life will not be the same without him, but he will be always in our hearts.
A funeral mass will be celebrated for Phillip on Friday, September 24, 2021, 11:00 AM, at Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Frisco, Texas.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.stonebriarfh.com for the Evans family.
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