Evans E. Brittin, Jr.

Evans was born March 11, 1930 in Athens, the son of Evans E. and Gladys Jensen Brittin, Sr. He married Marilyn Kirchner on March 1, 1953 in Havana.

Evans graduated from Havana High School, earned his Bachelor of Music Education and his Master of Music Education from Illinois State University. He served as a pilot in the United States Navy. He was a band and vocal teacher from 1957 to 1985. He also started Brittin Piano Tuning in 1960 and continued tuning pianos until 2015. In 1972, he became the leader of the Music Maker Band. He played the piano at Shakey’s Pizza Parlor for 13 years and played the piano at the Governor’s mansion for Gov. Jim Edgar for 8 years.

Evans was a member of Laurel United Methodist Church for 55 years, where he directed Youth and Children Choirs for years. He was also a member of the United Methodist Men and Retired Volunteers in Christ Service. He enjoyed watching NASCAR, playing the piano and entertaining at retirement homes with his wife, camping, attending local dirt track racing, and traveling, especially to Hawaii and Florida.

He was preceded in death by his parents and son, Charlie Brittin.

He is survived by his wife, Marilyn of Springfield; his children, Becky (husband, Coley) Cowan and Joe (wife, Kim) Brittin, both of Springfield; grandchildren, Andrew (wife, Becky) Cowan, Brad Brittin, and Melissa Brittin, all of Springfield; great grandchildren, Mia Redpath and Carson Cowan; sister, Joanne (husband, Mac) MacKay of Williamsville, NY; one aunt; daughter-in-law, Sallie Brittin of Springfield; and several nieces and cousins.

Visitation: Family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22, 2015 at Boardman-Smith Funeral Home, 800 South Grand Ave. West, Springfield.

Funeral Ceremony: 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 23, 2015 at Boardman-Smith Funeral Home with Rev. Dr. R. Paul Sims officiating.

Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Laurel United Methodist Church Van Fund, 631 South Grand Ave. West, Springfield, IL 62704.