John Robert Evans

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John Robert Evans

April 10, 1959 - February 6, 2022

John Robert Evans, beloved husband, devoted father and loyal friend to many, passed away Sunday, February 6, 2022.

John was born April 10, 1959, to Bob and Mary Evans in Ogden, Utah. A graduate of St. Joseph Catholic Schools, he grew up in the close-knit Catholic community of Ogden as the single brother in the middle of six sisters, “the Evans Seven.” He went to Gonzaga University, earning a degree in agricultural economics in 1982, and continuing his study of economics at Utah State. He moved to Portland, Oregon in 1983 to begin work in the grain industry, where he met the love of his life, Kelli Landis. They were married on March 16, 1990, in Portland, and moved to Burley, Idaho a few years later, where they raised their four children.

Mentored by his father Bob Evans, John learned the grain trade, and eventually carried on the family business. John started his career as a wheat trader for Evans Grain, Feed and Seed in 1983. He became one of the owners of the company and served as chairman of the board and company officer in charge of all merchandising. In 1995, the family moved to Burley, Idaho, where he worked at the Western Seeds division of the company and re-established Evans Grain.  

John was a devoted Catholic, committed to prayer and his relationship with God. An active member of St. Nicholas Catholic Church and Saint Therese of the Little Flower, John served on the parish council and finance committee. An accomplished athlete, John was an active skier and tennis player. He was a matchless rock’n’roll aficionado and the biggest Jimi Hendrix fan of all time.

John is survived by his wife Kelli Evans; children Rachael, Christina (Diego), Steffanie and Matthew; mother Mary Evans; sisters Meg Chambers (Steve), Joan Ahlf, Sue Evans, Patty Bradley (Todd), Nancy Evans (Joe Hazel), Barbara Wogoman (Jeff); and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by father Bob Evans, daughter Rose, parents-in-law Patricia and James Landis.

A funeral Mass was held at Holy Family Catholic Church in Ogden on February 16, 2022. A second funeral Mass took place at St. Therese the Little Flower Catholic Church in Burley on February 18, followed by interment at Pella Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Joseph Catholic Schools and St. Nicholas Catholic School.