William Andrew Evans
Oct. 25, 1936-Feb. 25, 2012
Pleasanton, California
William Andrew Evans
William [Bill] Evans of Pleasanton, CA, [formerly of Saratoga, CA] passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, February 25, 2012. Bill was born on October 25, 1936 to William and Josephine Evans in Chicago, IL. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Mary Jo (Penny) Nichols Evans; children; Son, Bill Evans (wife Linda, daughters Mary and Kristina); Son, Michael Evans (wife Debbie, son Michael, daughter Rebecca); Daughter, Carol Kelly (husband Roland, sons Trevor, Garrett & Ryan); Daughter, Nancy Becker (husband Ron, son Grant, daughter Jordan). Brother-in-law, Fred Nichols, wife Pat & son David. He was brother to Patricia Thompson and Joyce Evans.
Bill was a retired Lieutenant Colonel of the United States Air Force. He served in the Strategic Air Command Unit and later served in Vietnam. He logged over 2000 hours of flight time in the cockpit of B47?s and C141?s. He loved seeing the world from the air. He received the Meritorious Service Metal for outstanding service. Bill earned his Bachelor?s degree from San Jose State University and his Master?s Degree from the University of San Francisco. His career after the military included Engineering & Aerospace Management positions at Lockheed, the STC (Satellite Control Center, Onizuka AFB), Loral Space Systems, Ford Aerospace and then returning to Lockheed before retiring.
After retiring he enjoyed spending time with his family, particularly his grandchildren. The last few years he really enjoyed volunteering for the Niles Canyon Railroad, where he worked on restoring various old train cars. He also learned how to be a Brakeman and truly enjoyed this hobby.
He was passionate about his family and our genealogy. He traveled many times to Europe researching the family history taught English in Poland (twice) as a volunteer. He and Penny traveled extensively [19 countries in all] and enjoyed every minute of it!
He had many wonderful friendships throughout his life and will be missed by many. His family is honored to have had such a loving husband, father and grandfather in their lives. He lived a life of character, integrity, honesty and honor and we are very proud of him.
His funeral service will be held Saturday March 3rd at 10:00 am at Grissom?s Mortuary in San Lorenzo. A reception [with the VFW Honor Guard and 21 Gun Salute] to celebrate and honor his life, will be Saturday March 3rd at the VFW Hall in downtown Pleasanton from 11:30 am ? 2:30 pm. His family welcomes all who knew him to attend either or both events.
He will be laid to rest at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery on Monday March 5th with a United States Air Force Honor Guard ceremony.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation in his name to Veterans of Foreign Wars VFW Post #6298 www.vfwpost6298.com
Tags: veteran
