SR1397 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1397 LRB101 22219 MST 73249 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Steven Wade Evans of Mt. Pulaski, who passed away on August 29, 2020; and

WHEREAS, Steven Evans was born in Bloomington to Roy A. and Patricia (Wade) Evans on June 7, 1946; he served four years in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War aboard the U.S.S. Brownson and two years in the Navy Reserve in Bloomington; he earned multiple Bronze Stars and medals for his bravery and service; and

WHEREAS, Steven Evans worked for Bridgestone Firestone/America OTR for 33 years, as both a supervisor and tire builder; he was seen as a leader and known for his strong work ethic; he was a role model and friend to countless younger employees, mentoring them in many ways; and

WHEREAS, Steven Evans retired in 2003 and extended his love of being a devoted father into being a dedicated grandfather; he became a caretaker to his grandchildren who had flown across the world from Kazakhstan at the ages of three and one to join his family; he always took extreme pride in being their, "G-Pa"; and

WHEREAS, Steven Evans had a lifelong love of working on cars and trucks, which was spawned after he built a Harley Davidson Chopper with his Navy friends; he spent many hours with his father rebuilding a 1940 Ford pickup truck that he cherished for years; his family traveled to many car shows where he would often receive a first place trophy for best truck and other times would win best of show; his love of Ford trucks continued and ended with his beloved Ford Raptor; and

WHEREAS, Steven Evans was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Michael "Mick" Evans; and

WHEREAS, Steven Evans is survived by his wife, Martha; his daughters, Stacey Evans and Michelle Kretschman; his grandchildren Mateo and Natalia Kretschman; his sister, Linda (Pete) Rojahn; his extended family, Rajean (Mark) Hoffman, Robert Babbs Jr., Darrin L. (Tabitha) Babbs II, Eric Hoffman, Alyssa Hoffman, RaLynn Babba, Korynn Hoffman, Claidyn Bottoms, JozaLynn Babbs, Faye Babbs, Donald (Clindy) Babbs, James A Babbs, Jon (Melissa) Leistner, and Barbara Babbs (Laura); and over 200 nieces and nephews and other family members from all over the country; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Steven Wade Evans and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Steven Evans as an expression of our deepest sympathy.