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Donald Evans Obituary
Lowndes County Coroner Greg Merchant says Evans died Wednesday. He was 48.
A statement posted Thursday on lynyrdskynyrd.com announced Evans' death "with profound sadness." It said he had "put up a valiant battle with an aggressive form of cancer."
Evans was born in Atlanta, but moved to Columbus in eastern Mississippi after marrying his wife, Eva. He joined Lynyrd Skynyrd in 2001 and had been touring regularly with the band until being diagnosed with cancer in 2008, when he cut back on performances with the band.
Survivors include his wife and two daughters.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete.
Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press
168 Entries
Pam Goodin
September 30, 2023
Don't know is you'll see this Eva. I met your husband in Branson Missouri after a concert. He spoke about you and his 2 daughters who he was very proud of. When he talked about you two and being married over 20 years it was obvious you were the love of his life.
Maria
February 9, 2017
I'm very sorry for your loss. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. May God give you strength and peace during this difficult time.
I love Lynyrd Skynyrd, one of my favorite bands for ALL time! I recently lost my dear brother Robert. He was only 46 years old. It must be true what they say, only the good and best die young. My brother was one year younger than me, and he was my best friend too. We grew up listening to Lynyrd Skynyrd's awesome music. Now whenever I play certain songs it brings back those great memories. I truly want to thank you for that gift. :) I hope they meet one another in Heaven. I know my brother would love that.
May God bless us all and give us strength until we are once again reunited with our loved ones.
Take care.
September 17, 2014
How you can show support
joseph Laimana
May 7, 2014
This is the 3rd anniversary of my Mother in laws leaving to meet You, and on the 23rd will be the 2nd anniversary of my Mother coming to join You, and all this in the month of all Mothers!!!
Pray for us Ean!!!
God Bless You,
and We Love You!!! AMEN!!!
joey
Theresa Smallwood
May 6, 2014
Thanks for the wonderful music. God bless you.
Vicky Tapley
June 16, 2013
Glad you lived out yor dream of playing with a great southern rock band. Love you from Five Miles High Girl
lee chadwick
September 9, 2012
thanks 4 the music
September 4, 2012
GOD Bless you Ean
joey
December 26, 2011
Mele Kalikemaka My Dear Friend!
December 24, 2011
Lighting a candle for you this Christmas Eve
Bryan Fox
November 24, 2011
Will miss you Ean...God speed to ya...hope to see next time around...Thanks "it was one the highlights of my life"...
October 23, 2009
To our dear friends,The Evans family, from friends who count you as family and truly know the unbelievable pain, loss, and sorrow that you've been living with ~
We LOVE you all and we LOVE sweet, precious Ean.
Our lives have been blessed by your friendship, by your love, and by your wonderful hearts.
LOVE, always LOVE.
From deep inside our hearts to yours,
The Powell family;
(Billy), Ellen, Brandon, Joel, Ashley Rose, and Miss Maggie
('Lovey' misses you so very much)
Molly Vitagliano
October 11, 2009
Eva Gaye,Syd,and Andrea :
My deepest sympathies go out to y'all---(I would've done this sooner,but just NOW saw the "In Memorium" articles online)I remember Wayne and y'all from when we all lived in Concepts 21(apartment complex),Norcross,Ga.,when Wayne was recording his Cupid's Arrow material---still have the demo tapes he gave me.I hope y'all are taking comfort in the fact that he truly IS in a better place now---although, I DO know for a personal FACT that it is one of the hardest losses to deal with(losing a mate and/or parent---as I've lost both).Cancer IS a very long,hard road to travel,too---have a friend battling stage 4 breast cancer right now.
I remember the girls when Syd was right around 1st grade,and Andrea was just starting to get her vocabulary down-pat(babysitting them=Molly Williams--"Molly-clean").....they were SO(I imagine still are---have a 14 yr.old daughter myself now)cute---Syd looked just like you,Gaye, and Andrea looked just like a baby version of Wayne!!!!
Again, I am VERY sorry to hear about Wayne's passing.....if y'all EVER feel the need to "talk," you can ALWAYS reach me at [email protected].
Deepest Regards,
Molly Vitagliano(formerly Molly Williams)
Joseph (joey) Laimana
October 10, 2009
God Bless you Ean!
You were a Light to anyone you'd meet!
It was a pleasure to have made your aquaintance. An honor to have known you. I saw you a few years back on American Idol, and I ran thru the house yelling," I know someone! I know someone!"
God Bless you and keep you!
Aloha Nui Loa!
Joseph (joey) Laimana
August 19, 2009
Chris Barber of Loganville Ga. My condolences to Wayne's wife and girls.I went to Walker High with Wayne.
Chris Barber
August 19, 2009
My condolences to the Evans family.I went to Walker High with Wayne.
Ashley Threet
July 2, 2009
I remember getting to meet Ean after getting medically discharged from the air force. I was very down at the time and he knew just how to brighten my life. I was 19 and I could never thank him enough for being a wonderful and inspirational person.
Brenda Hunter
June 19, 2009
This just proves once again that GOD is a true Skynyrd Fan and a rock-n-roller
To: Family,Frynds and members of the band; My heart aches with yours. There are no words I can write to make your pain easier, just know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I met Ean on the gimme 3 days cruise and will be honoring him on Simple Man Cruise 2010. Gone but never forgotten!!
MARILYN BATY
June 15, 2009
Hello Eva and family.Just wondering how you are.Hope everyone is ok.Would someone please email and let me know? Thanks.
denise lee
June 14, 2009
I will miss Ean very much.He was a very sweet man.my prayers to his family and to his friends.
Kathy Hyder Kelly
May 21, 2009
I was the cousin of his aunt Patsy. I was a few years older than him. He as always a great kid. I am sorry to hear that his life was cut short. Wished I had known him as an adult but I was always happy to hear that he was able to follow his dreams in music. My love and prays to his family. Kathy Hyder Kelly
Mettlen
May 19, 2009
God Bless You. we saw you in Houston wonderful show.May God bless your family,friends,band members
Jeffers Dodge
May 18, 2009
I am so sorry. At least Ean is with Jesus now. I'm sure that means a lot to Ean and his family given how much Ean believed in Jesus. He and Billy Powell are probably jamming in heaven right now. God Bless Ean and his family.
Kat Wolford
May 18, 2009
Eva,daughters & LS
You continue to be in my thoughts & prayers, I know that Ronnie, Steve, Cassie & Dean were there to greet Ean and are jamming at the gates. Ean will be greatly missed!!
Kevin & Lauren Czaplicki
May 17, 2009
Our condolences to Eva & family.
The first time that we saw Ean perform with L.S. was in Hyannis, MA. Great show!
Then, we had the pleasure of meeting Ean
on the 1st Simpleman cruise. What an amazing man he was! Very kind and gracious and so very down to earth.
We enjoyed spending time with him on the Lido Deck and later at the airport!!
This past Simpleman cruise was so
bittersweet as we were all so saddened
by Ean's diagnosis. He was in everyone's
thoughts & prayers.
It has been a rough few months for you,
the band & their fans. Ean has now joined
Billy and all of the others.
We will give Ean a special toast the next time that we are in his & our favorite little blues bar in Hyannis....
....Harry's.
RIP Ean, we will miss you.
Peggy A. Vaughan
May 15, 2009
Mrs.Evans,May God be with you and your children in your time of need. I will keep all of you in my prayers. God Bless all of you.
Gina
May 15, 2009
My condolence to family and friends. My thoughts and prays go out to all.
john&Kathy Price
May 14, 2009
To Eve and Family, our condolence goes out to everyone. Been a fan for a very long time. Ean will be greatly missed.
Sandra Cowdery
May 14, 2009
My prayers go out to Eva and children , we will always miss you Ean, you was a very kind and gracious perso, I got to meet you thanks to your wife,Eva ,she and I was talking in a hotel lobby,when she come in wih Dale and Carol ,I was in shock ,before I knew it I told her I never got to meet Ean and she went and got him and being the kind of man he was he come right with her and hugged me and said glad to meet another fan ,may god be near you all and help you through.!!!
Valerie Hamilton
May 14, 2009
Eva and family..He will be greatly missed, one of the greatest bands ever. I lost my husband in December of 08 and have 3 children, he was also 48. Remember one day at a time that is how my children and I are getting through this. God bless you and your family.
Terry Grant
May 14, 2009
My condolences to LS family and friends. RIP, D.
marilyn baty
May 14, 2009
Eva and family just want you to know that I haven't forgotten about you. I hope that all of you are ok.
Re
May 13, 2009
R.I.P Donald Evans! You will be greatly missed.
Dan McLendon
May 13, 2009
Im so sorry for your loss. He was a part of the best and most entertaining bands ever formed
ruth arnold
May 12, 2009
sorry about your lost.god bless you all
Sherry O'Hara
May 12, 2009
So sorry, Been a fan for decades, will be for several more. My thoughts and prayers will be with the family and the band members. God bless all of you.
Stacy B
May 12, 2009
I wanted to say how sorry I am for your loss. I love Skynerd . I have every song always in my head. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. God Bless
carol field
May 12, 2009
though donald has gone to heaven his memories will forever be in our hearts here on earth.donald will be missed and rock and roll will never be the same without him.keep on rockin donald with the angels.
cindy harrington
May 11, 2009
So sorry for your loss. My favorite band of all time. Icried when I saw this. Yea there is a rock in roll heaven.
Mary & Bobby Miller
May 11, 2009
We saw L.S. in Baltimore Maryland last year! What a show it was - with Hank Williams Jr and 38 Special! My new husband is also a bassist, and his love for music --- well -- we will remember your contribution to a band who has inspired the band he plays for here in Georgia and so many others I'm sure! Our deepest sympathies to all those who loved you. RIP Ean!
May 11, 2009
My favorite band of all times. I just sat and cried. I am a Mississippi girl so it makes it worse. So sad.
Charlotte Beatty
May 11, 2009
to the family of Evan, I am so sorry for your great loss, I too, lost a brother in law in January of this year, to cancer, he too was too was 48, I am praying for all of you,
much love always.
Charlotte Beatty.
Anita Pierce
May 11, 2009
My condolences and heartfelt sympathy to you.
Donnie Donahue
May 11, 2009
my condolences to the evans family and to Lynyrd skynyrd the Lynyrd skynyrd fans will miss hearing him play bass we saw ean with skynyrd july 10 2005
John Murray
May 11, 2009
Thanks for helping to keep one of the greatest bands ever to remain! Peace to all your family!
Irma Unruh
May 11, 2009
Such a great loss at such a young age. You will always be remembered. My deepest sympathy to the Family.
May 11, 2009
Yet another talented musician will be playing with the celestial orchestra - RIP brother -
May 11, 2009
Eva,
You and your family are in our prayers during this difficult time.
Justin and Shannon Willis
Ray
May 11, 2009
Heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Thanks for the music memories with the Outlaws and Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Kim Gibson
May 11, 2009
Now you are a "Free Bird"
Gladys Demson
May 11, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
STEVE , VICKI ELLISON & ERIN M.& FAMILY
May 10, 2009
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
diana cornwell
May 10, 2009
Keep on rocking, thanks for the music!
Dixie
May 10, 2009
I loved y'all's music-a son of the South that will be missed but not forgotten. God Bless family and friends
May 10, 2009
God Bless and my prayers are with his friends and family.
Donna King
Columbus, Texas
Robbin Stockstill
May 10, 2009
Eva,you,your daughters and Moe are in my prayers.I'm so sorry to hear about Ean, wish I could have known ya'll better. Please, take care of yourself. Ean is in a better place and he's still with you.
Ann G
May 10, 2009
Ean's funeral
It was a beautiful funeral and so sad.
I loved the photos they showed of Ean and especially at the end when they put the cross around Eva's neck that Ean always wore and handed her the guitar. She walked up the aisle and out of the church holding the guitar high for all to see. Not many dry eyes in there.
We will miss you Ean, I am so glad I got to see you in your last concert we had for you here in Columbus, Ms. a few weeks ago. Rock on in no pain Ean, God bless the family!!
May 10, 2009
A good, good, man - Til we meet again...
Ed & Karen
Donna Outlaw-Plank
May 10, 2009
The original band crashed on their way to Baton Rouge where I live which seemed to start a run of saddness for the band but through it all, they have kept on rockin' and I know all the members that are in Rock-n-Roll Heaven are still shining down on us. I saw them in 1973 at a night club in Atlanta called Richard's on 10th St. and paid $1 to get in. No one knew how to pronounce their name but that night we knew this was the start of a band that was going to keep on Southern rockin' for a very, very long time.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Ean's family and to all who cherish him. Love nevers ends!
Hugs on a sad Mother's Day from someone who has buried a son,
Donna Outlaw-Plank
Marianne Rinaldi
May 10, 2009
Another painful loss for this valiant group of musicians, not to mention the terrible void that is left for his beloved family. My prayers go out to all who love him and miss him.
PJ Martin
May 10, 2009
I saw Lynyrd Skynyrd back in September of '08 in Boone, NC.I am very sorry to hear about Ean's death. Now he can rest in peace without the pain. God Bless Ean and all his family and friends.
Jean Herring
May 10, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends!!!
Karol Johnson
May 10, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
~Brenda~ ~R~
May 10, 2009
wow, another talented rocker left us he's knocking on heavens door today what great memories and music they leave us dont they... God has just added another *Rock-Star* to the heavens shining brightley beaming down on us all tonight. Bless & comfort the family,band members and all who loved him through this difficult time and days ahead. We truly loss a too soon great entertainer ~huge fan~
~Brenda~
May 10, 2009
Another talented rocker has left us he's knocking on heavens door today what great memories and music they leave us don't they.. God has just added another *Rock-Star* to the heavens for us another *STAR* shining brightley beaming down on us all tonight you are in rock and roll heaven now my friend the suffering is over. Bless & comfort the family band members and all who loved him through this difficult time and days ahead. We truly loss a great entertainer too soon. We'll miss ya' ~a huge fan~
Bob Moorhead
May 10, 2009
Our sympathy goes out to the Evan's family as well as Ean's Skynyrd family never forget all the good memories Ean has left you
Butch Ragan
May 10, 2009
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
May 9, 2009
Rest in peace eternally in God's love and sanctuary.
God has made you perfect now to suffer no more.
Donnie Key
[email protected]
chris & bob
May 9, 2009
Our sincerest condolences for your loss... He will be sorely missed!! God Bless your family during this difficult time... the angels in heaven will be rockin, southern style!
Virginia Caston
May 9, 2009
My condolences to the Evans family and friends and also to Ean's Lynyrd Skynyrd family. May all the good memories you have of him help to bring you comfort in the days ahead.
John Gillis
May 9, 2009
Thanks for keeping the sound moving. God Bless
Lisa Smith
May 9, 2009
Me and my husband met Ean and Eva on the 1st Skynyrd cruise, I could not believe what a wonderful down to earth kind of person he was. All I can think of is the good Lord above wanted him around to talk and play to him. My prayers are with Eva and and their children...
Day
May 9, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Jim Troughton
May 9, 2009
Saw Ean when he played over here in England, great bassist.
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Nick--ZZ Misso
May 9, 2009
Thanks for Rockin and keeping the Skynyrd band Rolling, Wish i got to meet you . Peace and Love ZZ
Dave Walters
May 9, 2009
My wife and I were very touched by Ean's music and his respectful way he replaced Leon in Lynyrd Skynyrd.
I loved watching his energy and emotion on stage , i used to joke how when we were front or second row I got hit with an Ean Evans sweat bullet....he was a monster bass player and a great human being he already is greatly missed
my wife has cancer and it made her feel free and happy to see this band live it cheered us up...cancer touches us all in some way I wish we could find a cure
my thoughts and prayers go out to the Evans family and the Lynyrd Skynyrd family today and always...
with love
Dave and Denise Walters
London Ont.
Canada
the Evans family
Al and Tova Hamm
May 9, 2009
May God bless you all at this very difficult time. We are so sorry for the loss of such a special man. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
We Love You,
pat d
May 9, 2009
you will be missed by all i live your band and i know you will be playing with the greats in heaven
Carol Scollon
May 9, 2009
Ean was always beautiful inside and out. It just shined through. He is a wonderful and beautiful soul, a man of great faith. Eva and Ean have been the center of many of my friendships, that will continue on. Just how they are, you are drawn to such warmth and kindness. That smile you'd get when you were seen in the crowd. He gave us so much love and kindness in his short time with us. God did bless us with Ean. I will dearly miss him. Fly high E.
Eva you are one of the strongest and sweetest people I know. It is difficult for many to have both those qualities. But you always have a smile, a hug, a blessing for everyone you touch. You and the girls are in my thoughts and prayers. I love you sweet e.
Chuck James
May 9, 2009
Thanks for making the sound track to my life.
Gail Siegel
May 9, 2009
To The Family of Donald Evans;
I wish to send my deepest condolences for your loss. I'd like to believe Donald is playing in God's Rock N Roll Band.
May all your memories of Donald bring a smile to your faces whenever he crosses your minds.
Shara
May 9, 2009
Sorry for the loss of your dear love one,
God promise that he will wipe out every tear from our eyes, and death will be no more,neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.
Randy and Diane Holley
May 9, 2009
How do you begin to remember a man so great, who did so many wonderful things for people, and never thought of himself even once? A man who's love for his God, his home and family, and his fans far surpassed anything we have ever seen in a human being.
How do you begin to thank this man for helping to carry on the music after we lost Leon, for opening up his life and his home to fans-who all became frynds, and for bringing together two people from opposite ends of the country?
All we can do is bow our heads, humbly say THANK YOU EAN, and try to continue on as even half the person you were.
Never goodbye my brother...just "so long".
RIP until we meet again.
To Eva....our hearts break with pain for you and the family. You will forever be in our thoughts and prayers.
We love you girl...and will always be here if you need anything.
Sheila Smith
May 9, 2009
Rest in Peace Donald.
John Young
May 8, 2009
We'll miss you here brother but we know that band is rockin up there tonight. Members may come, members may go but, Lynyrd Skynyrd will always live on in southern hearts. Guitars & stars Thump Thump brother Thump thump!!!!!!!!!
Melanie Marie Shifflett Ridner
May 8, 2009
To the Family of such a brave man. Now you are in God's hands and will be kept safe for evermore.
My sympathy for you and yours.
A fan is all I am .
Brave you were and your music you lived for as all artists do.
You will be sadly missed by many the world over.
Melanie Marie Shifflett Ridner
Author/Writer/ASCAP Songwriter
A Patsy Cline Cousin
regina gardner
May 8, 2009
r.i.p. ean. your playing for the angels tonight. my prayers goes out to his family. may god give you the strength to get through this.he was a dear sweet man with family values. god bless us fans, his bandmates and friends.i will never forget the music you leave behind. i will always cherish that i got to bring in the new years with you guys. i'll never forget you.
Sherry Mosley
May 8, 2009
Gaye, we are so sorry to hear about Ean. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Lisa Moore
May 8, 2009
Ean, you will be greatly missed. May you rest in peace. My prayers go out to your family. Thank you for the music.
Pam & Ricky Grimsley
May 8, 2009
Donald is an amazing talented musician, he will be dearly missed by all. Keep your memories close to your heart for Donald is now your guardian angel to watch over you till you meet again.
May God guide you, bless you and give you comfort during this difficult time.
RIP Donald for you will forever be in our hearts....with your music that will live on forever.
Pam & Ricky Grimsley
May 8, 2009
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009
The Wengren's
May 8, 2009
I just wanted to let your family know that the song FREE BIRD is the one song that help my husband and I through the hardest time in our life. We lost our baby girl at 4 month and she had to leave on a Tuesday too.
Our hearts go out to all of your family and your fans
The Wengren Family
Ricky & Mary
May 8, 2009
Ean will be missed by all. Let it be known we will meet again in heaven. May god bless Eva and the family. Friends forever
shawnee
May 8, 2009
ean as a friend of my fathers we wish you godspeed into rock in roll heaven we know the other fallen southern rock brothers greeted you when you arrived.thanks for the music,memories.we loved you as family.the sdj family.
Vicki Hofius Speikers
May 8, 2009
When I was a little girl, I always took comfort when I was told during a thunderstorm, that the angels were bowling. Now each time I hear thunder, I will imagine it is those who died of Lynyrd Skynyrd,tuning up for a rockin show in heaven. Ean was a kind and gentle man who always gave time to his fans. The world lost a great man, but heaven has gained an angel.
Lorna Bell
May 8, 2009
My sympathy to the Evans family. I am so sorry for your loss.
larry castille
May 8, 2009
music is a blessing we were blessed
may the lord be with the family
mike & judy armstrong
May 8, 2009
all though we only meet you one time through robert rhett,we are thinking about the family and kepping them in our prayers.Ean was a nice,cool guy.
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