Frederick W. “Fred” Evans Jr., 63, formerly of Drums and a resident of Apollo for the past 14 years, passed away early Tuesday morning as he arrived safely at the mid-point of his trucking run in Cheverly, Md.
Born in Hazleton on April 13, 1955, he was one of six children born to the late Frederick and Elizabeth (Baker) Evans.
After graduating from Hazleton High School in 1973, Fred served in the U.S. Air Force, where he was trained in accounting and finance.
Throughout most of his life, he worked in various capacities in the retail food industry. While living locally, he and his wife worked to establish the Country Corners General Store in Drums. Most recently, however, he took great pride in attaining his commercial driver’s license and thoroughly enjoyed working as a driver in the trucking industry.
Fred was a man of deep spiritual convictions who cherished his personal relationship with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Until relocating, he was a member of Grace Baptist Church in Hazleton, and recently held membership in Grace Baptist Church in Monroeville. He faithfully served on the deacon board of both churches.
In summary, it could be said that, “Fred was a man of tremendous integrity, a true gentleman who possessed a wonderful sense of humor and always worked tirelessly for the benefit of others.” His greatest pleasure, though, was spending time with his beloved family and especially his seven precious grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant sister, Barbara.
Surviving are his wife of nearly 43 years, the former Linda Sue Charles; two sons, Eric Evans and his wife, Natalie, Monroeville; and Jason Evans and his wife, Cassie, Woodbridge, Va.; a daughter, Jennifer Day and her husband, Wesley, Westminster, Md.; those seven cherished grandchildren, who lit up his life, Colton, Ashley, Jacob, Eric, Jackson, Olivia and Hudson; a brother, Mark Evans and his wife, Lori, York; three sisters, Donna Evans, Export; Dianne Zellner and her husband, Albert, Martinsburg; and Deborah Archut and her husband, Andrew, Davenport, Fla.; along with several nieces and nephews.
Services will be held on Saturday at the Butler Chapel of Krapf & Hughes Funeral Home, 530 W. Butler Drive, Drums, beginning with a viewing period that will run from 10 a.m. to noon.
At noon Fred’s pastor, Grant Abe, will preside over a service of praise, reflection and thanksgiving for Fred’s life.
Interment will follow in St. Johns Lutheran & United Church of Christ Cemetery.
Condolence messages may be entered in the family’s memorial guest book on the funeral home’s website at www.khfuneralhomes.com
I am so sad for Linda and her family, but rejoicing for Fred as he joins our Lord and transitions into that indescribable paradise of eternal and everlasting peace.
I was happy to have seen Linda and Fred at our 40th Class Reunion; but the night, as always, went by too quickly to talk much or get caught up. There never seems to be enough time. As I put together this video, that missed opportunity faded away. I got to know them both much better. All that kept coming to mind is what a truly wonderful man and magnificent father Fred had become since we knew each other so long ago in high school. Linda's pictures “told me” and are evidence that he always put God, Family (& Country) above himself. I’m so happy that he shared a life with Linda that was so full of love and so very well-lived. I believe he made our world a much better place and though his physical presence will be missed, his spirit and goodness lives on in each of his children and grandchildren.
"Well done, good and faithful servant." [Matthew 25:21] ...until we all meet again. Love, Light & Peace to all.
I was about to add this "p.s." under the video above: [p.s. I am sorry I was not able to edit the thumbnail (the first page or Title Page) of this video. I will continue to try to edit in order to get the "In Memory of Frederick 'Fred' Evans" Title Page first, rather than the current/superimposed pictures.]
I'm going with "Spirit" here: I decided I'm not going to edit that thumbnail afterall. It's almost as if it's a "sign" or "proof" exemplary of what I said in my prior post about Fred always putting family first. (almost as if he wants it that way ~chills & goosebumps~)
I just read Karen's note and then watched the video and all I could say is, what a great example you were for all of us, Fred. The godly man that you were will set your wife and children up for the comfort that they need right now b/c no matter how much they know that you are with the FATHER they are still missing their daddy and Linda's, sweet love. It was a honor to know you Fred and my prayers will continue for your family. Your friend and classmate, Dennis
Ed Sofianek
Rest in Peace....my condolences to Linda and the family.
Karen L. Martinkovic
I am so sad for Linda and her family, but rejoicing for Fred as he joins our Lord and transitions into that indescribable paradise of eternal and everlasting peace.
I was happy to have seen Linda and Fred at our 40th Class Reunion; but the night, as always, went by too quickly to talk much or get caught up. There never seems to be enough time. As I put together this video, that missed opportunity faded away. I got to know them both much better. All that kept coming to mind is what a truly wonderful man and magnificent father Fred had become since we knew each other so long ago in high school. Linda's pictures “told me” and are evidence that he always put God, Family (& Country) above himself. I’m so happy that he shared a life with Linda that was so full of love and so very well-lived. I believe he made our world a much better place and though his physical presence will be missed, his spirit and goodness lives on in each of his children and grandchildren.
"Well done, good and faithful servant." [Matthew 25:21] ...until we all meet again. Love, Light & Peace to all.
Karen L. Martinkovic
I was about to add this "p.s." under the video above: [p.s. I am sorry I was not able to edit the thumbnail (the first page or Title Page) of this video. I will continue to try to edit in order to get the "In Memory of Frederick 'Fred' Evans" Title Page first, rather than the current/superimposed pictures.]
I'm going with "Spirit" here: I decided I'm not going to edit that thumbnail afterall. It's almost as if it's a "sign" or "proof" exemplary of what I said in my prior post about Fred always putting family first. (almost as if he wants it that way ~chills & goosebumps~)
Thomas J. Flaim
Fred was a good classmate and a better friend. My condolences to his family. Rest in peace old friend.
Dennis Gallagher
I just read Karen's note and then watched the video and all I could say is, what a great example you were for all of us, Fred. The godly man that you were will set your wife and children up for the comfort that they need right now b/c no matter how much they know that you are with the FATHER they are still missing their daddy and Linda's, sweet love. It was a honor to know you Fred and my prayers will continue for your family. Your friend and classmate, Dennis