Lee Ray Evans, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, was welcomed into the loving arms of our Heavenly Father and Savior on February 19, 2024. He passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by loved ones.
Lee was born in Soda Springs, Idaho on January 9, 1943 to Ray Walter Evans and Virginia Truly Lakey Evans as the middle of three boys. He and his younger brother, Jack, were best friends until the day he died. His older brother, Marvin, died at birth.
He graduated from Soda Springs High School and later Utah State and Snow College. He enjoyed playing football at the college level. He loved his coach who worked him hard. He found himself at the bottom of a dog pile many times with broken teeth and rugged happiness. He later became a football backseat commentator and spectator for the rest of his life.
Lee met his future wife, Elaine, when she was working as a car hop where she roller skated with a root beer float right into his heart. They married October 21, 1966 and were blessed with four amazing children, where Brian was the favorite child. Lee loved his family and worked hard to provide a wonderful life for them all. They enjoyed camping, fishing, snowmobiling, hunting, and more. Lee was an example of kindness and generosity. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he served in multiple callings including Bishop of the Riverglenn ward in Boise, Idaho from 2000 to 2006. He had a deep and abiding testimony of his Savior, Jesus Christ and loved the people he served. His hope was for a righteous posterity who would stand forever firm in their testimonies.
Lee worked in the tire business as owner and operator of Evans Tire Company in Soda Springs, Idaho for many years. He later worked as sales manager for Priest Electric in Caldwell, Idaho until he retired.
Lee was preceded in death by his brother, Marvin and his parents, Ray Walter Evans and Virginia Truly Lakey Evans. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Elaine Stewart Evans and his four children, (Todd) and Jodie Herrera, Todd and (Kris Stena Evans), Brian and (Melanie) Evans, (Matt) and Jennie Strader as well as 19 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
No greater man was ever made to be a father. He will forever be known for his immaculate yard and gardens, his love of fast cars that were super clean, his expertly combed hair, teaching his grandchildren to fish and the best sheepherder spuds and French toast on the planet.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 23, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 484 S. Main, Star, Idaho 83669. Friends may visit with the family from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the same location.
To watch the live stream please click on the following link,
https://zoom.us/j/91002462675