Robert F. Evans

Bob was born Dec. 6, 1926, in Huntington Station, Long Island, Queens, New York to Harold Depew and Ella (Fay) Evans. He is a World War II, U.S. Army veteran with the artillery in Korea. Bob finished his service performing in one of the touring bands.

In the summer of 1952 at Lake Geneva, WI, Bob met L. Bernadine Walters, a secretary at Aetna Plywood in Chicago. He was a Gem, Kansas band teacher/director for fifth through 12th grade visiting his parents, who operated a boat concession there.

Bob and Bernadine married Aug. 1, 1953, in Palatine. Initially, he taught band and music in Pensacola, Fla. After moving back to Illinois, he earned a Masters at VanderCook College of Music. Subsequently, he taught band and music in Ipava, Fulton, Tremont, and finally at Washington Junior High School in Pekin. He retired in 1982.

Bob played clarinet and saxophone in local bands and backed up some of the “Big Bands” when they performed in the area. He played in the Pekin municipal band during several summers.

During retirement, Bob loved nature and was an avid camper, belonging to the Celestial City Campers for several years and having served as club president. “People just enjoy being outside,” he said in 2007. “I think it’s closer to God, to be perfectly honest with you.”

Bob loved to serve. He wanted to make a difference. Bob was an escort at Pekin Memorial Hospital for over thirty years. He was an active member of Pekin Lions club and was given the distinction of being awarded Lion of the Year.

Bob was an active member at First United Methodist Church in Pekin. He enjoyed participating in the United Methodist Men’s Club and Bible studies. His faith was important to him.

Bob was a dog-lover. Their first dog was a wire-haired fox terrier, Penny. The second was a cocker spaniel, Buffy. Both were ornery and loved to go camping.

Bob and Bernadine enjoyed camping, vacationing, and playing games with their daughter and son-in-law. They traveled together to destinations including Florida, Canada, the Black Hills of South Dakota, and Yellowstone National Park.

Bob had a special relationship with his granddaughter. They had a friendly competition for the shiniest wax job on their cars. She also played the clarinet. Bob and Bernadine loved to listen to their granddaughter’s high school and college band concerts. They both traveled with her to hear her when the Normal West High School Band performed at his alma mater, VanderCook College of Music.

Since Bernadine’s death in 2014, Bob has resided at Morningside of Pekin. He always made others feel welcome and challenged many to a friendly game of pool. He was loved by the staff and will be greatly missed.

Bob traveled with his daughter and son-in-law to Washington DC in April 2015 and to the Virginia historic triangle: Jamestown Colony, Colonial Williamsburg, and the Yorktown Battlefield in August 2015.

Bob is survived by one daughter, Melodee A. (Richard L.) Milner of Normal; one granddaughter, Allison M. Milner of Normal; and one nephew, Scott Icenogle of Nashville, Tenn.

He was preceded in death by his wife; parents; and brother and sister-in-law, John Charles “Charlie” (Ginny) Evans.

His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 26, 2015 at First United Methodist Church in Pekin. The Rev. James C. McClarey and Rev. Judy Doyle will officiate. Visitation will be from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Monday at the church. Burial will be at Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin. Arrangements are by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 1315 Court Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com