David Evans

SPRINGDALE — Departing on his last sentimental journey, David R. Evans did not take long to join his wife, soulmate and glorious partner in their afterlives. Less than eight months after his wife passed away, David’s life ended peacefully on Dec. 15 in his 91st year following a short illness with the coronavirus. Married for more than six decades, the pair of “Dave and Nancy” will be dancing together for eternity after sharing lives well lived. David was born in Zanesville, Ohio, on Aug. 19, 1929, the third of four children of George and Gail Evans. He spent his formative years in Athens, where he grew into a star athlete and first met his future wife at Athens High School. A member of the Athens High Hall of Fame for his football, basketball, baseball and track prowess, David attended Marshall University on a basketball scholarship after turning down an opportunity to play professional baseball in the St. Louis Cardinals organization. As a great athlete, he ended up playing two years of college football at Marshall, which made back-to-back bowl game appearances. Then, he changed his focus from sports to duty to his country by enlisting in the Marines, interrupting his college education to fight in the Korean War. As a dual Purple Heart and dual Bronze Star recipient for his valor in Korea, David was later inducted into the Ohio Military Hall of Fame after being nominated by the membership of his American Legion Post 530 in Greenhills. Following the Korean War, David returned to Athens, finishing his bachelor’s degree at Ohio University and marrying Nancy. They moved to Cincinnati early in their marriage, buying a home in Forest Park where they lived for more than 55 years on Geneva Road and raised their three children, Dave, Jane and Dan; and two dogs, Mr. Bozo and Scruffy. “Dave and Nancy” wove themselves into the fabric of their community through Forest Chapel Church, the Legion where David became commander and their vast network of friends. Following retirement from his job with the J.N. Fauver Co. in 1985, David became a decorated volunteer firefighter in Forest Park. He also became active in Marine Corps reunions with his "Bloody George" G-3-1 Company, allowing he and his wife to travel the world and build great friendships and camaraderie. David was preceded into death by his North Star, Nancy, on April 27 this year; his sisters Nancy Anders and Ruth Rose; his brother, John; his daughter, Jane, in 2010; nephew “Buzz” Anders; and niece, Diane. He is survived by his two sons, Dave, who lives in New Zealand; and Dan (Ann) of Cherry Valley, CA; and his son-in-law, Paul Zollo. David had five loving grandchildren, Ian, Marcus, Alexandra, Celine and Colin; nieces Gayle, Harriet, Betsy and Suzanne; nephews George, John and James.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, there will be no funeral services. Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Glendale.

Live stream graveside service will be available at https://www.facebook.com/VorhisandRyanFuneralHomes on Monday, January 4, 2021 at 2 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Maple Knoll Villages Future Care Fund, 11100 Springfield Pike, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246.

The family is grateful to the Springdale Nazarene Church for the wonderful fellowship and support. "Dave and Nancy" also are indebted to the residents and staff at Maple Knoll Village in Springdale for the loving support and tireless efforts to enrich their lives.