Vocalist and devoted friend to a countless number of people, Sanquan L. Evans’s love of life didn’t come to an end with his death. Sanquan, affectionately known as ‘Quan’ passed away unexpectedly in Kansas City, KS on October 27, 2023 at the age of 51.
Quan was born to Arthur Edwards and Nadine Evans on April 10, 1972 in Newark, OH. Along with his beloved grandmother, Vera, aunt Pamela and mother Nadine, the family moved to Kansas City, KS to be with the rest of the Hollinshed family. Quan’s mother, Nadine married Harvey Mitchell or ‘Mitch’ in 1974. Together they raised Quan and welcomed sister Shonna and brother Harvey, Jr. in the coming years.
Quan grew up in Kansas City, KS, met his life partner Matthew Nichols in 1997, and lived in Kansas City, MO until they moved to TX in 2003. His occupational specialty was Telecom implementation and Project Management. From an early age, Quan had a passion for music and singing that began in church. He attended Schlagle High School and was always front of stage in singing events until graduating in 1990.
Quan attended Mid America Nazarene College where he formed lifelong friendships. With his exceptionally smooth, beautiful tenor voice Quan sang in choir and went on to record numerous backing vocals for national artists, front bands, perform as a soloist and produce music for other singers. Quan’s gift of musical creativity and yearning for growth as a vocalist led him to work in multiple genres of music and combine many in his own creations-Quan music.
Quan leaves an enduring legacy of love and service to others, much like his mother Nadine Evans-Mitchell. He was passionate about all things music, pop culture, weight training, travel, cooking and good times with family and friends shared over a meal of his making. His special connection with animals was a natural quality. Whether it be helping a stray dog on the street, adopting animals from rescues or spoiling his beloved dogs, Ava, Danny, Rosa and Audrey – Quan was always planning for the next animal to bring into the family.
Although difficult to describe in a few sentences, Quan was an outspoken, free spirit with a magnetism that exuded positivity, happiness and inclusivity for all. He made each person feel seen, precious, and valued. To talk with him, even in passing, was to know that you were the most important person in the room. His interest and curiosity were genuine and vast. Simply put, he was thoughtful to absolutely everyone. It didn’t matter if you were meeting Quan for the first time, hadn’t seen each other in ages, or were hanging out for the millionth time over many years, you mattered to him completely and never questioned it. The way his eyes lit up while he listened was a big part of his charm and charisma. It drew people to him. Most endearingly, Quan made recognizing and proclaiming your best qualities seem a reflex he somehow possessed that the rest of us weren’t born with. He generously bestowed compliments on people - friends and strangers alike. It was no doubt authentic, and you came away with a bit of that mighty confidence he so easily exuded. A particular joy was watching as Quan was first introduced to someone. In a matter of seconds, there was an inevitable change in the newly acquainted person’s demeanor. They relaxed, became happier, and were finally themselves.
It was as though the person had stumbled upon some grace that came their way like magic that they didn’t know could exist. Indeed, it didn’t exist for any of us, until we met Quan.
Quan was preceded in death by his grandmother Vera Evans, aunt Pamela Evans-Hamilton, uncle Timothy Evans and mother Nadine Evans-Mitchell. He is survived by father Harvey Mitchell or ‘Mitch’, life partner Matthew Nichols, his second mother Suzanne Nichols, brother-in-law Keenan Nichols, sister-in-law Venus Nichols, brother-in-law Todd Nichols, sister-in-law Lori Nichols, birth father Arthur (LaVerne) Edwards, Grandmother Patricia Edwards, brother Arthur (AJ) Edwards, sisters Jaclyn Edwards, Adrienne Edwards and a host of nieces and nephews, sister Shonna Funderburke, nephews Isaiah Funderburke and De’Shawn Funderburke, brother Harvey Mitchell, Jr., sister-in-law Angel Dixon-Mitchell, nephews Jordan Mitchell, Jazz Mitchell, niece Jaci Mitchell, goddaughter Abigail Long and many more in a large and loving family including friends across the United States, Canada and around the world.
A visitation will be held from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Friday, December 1st, 2023, followed by a Memorial service beginning at 1:00 PM at Chapel Hill Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens located at 701 N. 94th Street, Kansas City, KS 66112.
A Celebration of Life Event will be held at The Black Box Performing Arts Theater on Saturday, December 2nd, 2023 located at: 1060 Union Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri 64101. Doors open at 5:00 PM with the Celebration of Life starting at 6:00 PM.
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