Bob Evans

Bob Evans

Bob Evans Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jun. 21, 2007.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – Bob Evans, whose quest for quality sausage to serve the truckers who filled his 12-stool, 24-hour-a-day steakhouse in southeast Ohio led to the creation of a restaurant chain that bears his name, died Thursday, Bob Evans Farms Inc. announced. He was 89.

Evans died at the Cleveland Clinic, Evans' family told the company. The clinic said he died of complications from pneumonia.

Evans complained that he could not get good sausage for the restaurant he started after World War II in Gallipolis in southeast Ohio.

Starting with $1,000, a couple of hogs, 40 pounds of black pepper, 50 pounds of sage and other secret ingredients, he opted to make his own, relying on the hog's best parts as opposed to the scraps commonly used in sausage. He began selling it at the restaurant and mom-and-pop stores, and peddled tubs of it out of the back of his pickup truck.

It marked the beginning of what is now a restaurant chain with sales of $1.6 billion in the fiscal year ended April 28 with 590 restaurants in 18 states. The company also operates 108 Mimi's Cafe casual restaurants in 19 states, mostly in the West. Its sausage and other products are sold in grocery stores.

"You might say the truck drivers did my research for me," he said. "They would tell me that this was the best sausage they ever had, and then buy 10-pound tubs to take home."

Evans formed Bob Evans Farms in 1953 with five friends and relatives. The chain emphasizes farm-fresh food, cleanliness and service in a homey atmosphere.

The red brick restaurants have white trim and the yellow "Bob Evans" name, reflecting Evans' handwriting, at the top of the building.

The original Bob Evans restaurant opened in 1962 at the farm near Gallipolis, about 80 miles southeast of Columbus, to serve the growing number of visitors who stopped by. The restaurant, called The Sausage Shop at first, started with 12 stools.

"People like to deal with farmers. They like to buy stuff from the farm. They think it's fresher," Evans said in a 2003 interview. "In their mind, it's better and they're willing to pay more for it."

Evans and his family appeared in the company's early advertising, with Evans frequently wearing a Stetson and a string tie.

"Bob is a creative guy, an idea man, a quality control specialist. That was really the role he played," said Stewart Owens, former chief executive of the company, which moved to Columbus in 1968.

"Bob Evans is an icon of southern Ohio," said Chris Boring, president of Boulevard Strategies, a Columbus-based company that follows the retail industry. "Family values are reflected at every aspect of the operation, from the menu to the decorations."

Evans did clash with the company after his retirement as president Dec. 31, 1986.

In the 2003 interview, he criticized the company over its failed Mexican concept restaurant in the 1990s – "That was a disaster" – and some acquisitions he says he wasn't consulted about.

In 2001, Evans came out in favor of a proposal to sell the company to beef up the stock price. Two years later, he was happier as the company's performance was more focused and the stock price had rebounded.

"They're doing a pretty good job," he said then. "They got rid of all those dogs."

Anyone who bought 1,000 shares of Bob Evans when the company went public in 1963 at $9 per share would have shares worth more than $2 million today.

Evans is survived by his wife, Jewell, and five of his six children.




Copyright © 2007 The Associated Press

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92 Entries

April 25, 2025

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Fred Patton

March 5, 2024

Bob Evans treated me good and give me advice on housing draft horses outside year round! Thank you!

Sammy Hisle

October 4, 2019

Bob Evans was a great man

Steve Titone

April 6, 2019

Rest in peace

Cindy Ketcham

October 28, 2017

Love his food and restraunt

Dwayne Bickham,Sr.

July 11, 2015

In God's care rest in peace

PENNY PERSINGER

March 24, 2012

REST IN PEACE GREAT MEMORIES OF YOU AS A LITTLE GIRL AT YOUR STORE INGALLIPOLIS WITH MY GRANDMOTHER THELMA PERSINGER

Clarence McCabe

August 3, 2007

Our prayers go out to each and every one of the family.

I grew up in Gallipolis and it would be a huge understatement to mention the impact he had on ALL of our lives.

He was an icon that let all of us believe we could come from nowhere and end up anywhere we wanted to be.

Rest in peace.

Carol Conway-Yegerlehner

July 31, 2007

Dear Jewel and family,
I remember the days when you and Bob would come to my parents house to get Christmas Trees. Bob and dad, Emmett Conway, would go to the Tree Farm and you and mom would chew the fat waiting for them to return. Then it was pie and coffee before you were off. I happened to be home for one of those visits. Mom and dad send their sympathies. They live at Heartland of Chillicothe and are together in the same room. Dad was especially saddened to hear of Bob's death and he recalled tromping around The Farm and up Raccoon Creek to the Boone Cave where he found a peuter button. Only a British Soldier would have one of those, not Daniel Boone. He recalled the meetings on the Farm and of course all our family gatherings there over a delicious meal. Memories are wonderful and I hope they fill your heart as time passes. Sincerely, Carol Jean Conway Yegerlehner

marlene mcdonald

June 30, 2007

let me express my sorrow for your loss,,i have been working for b.e. for 22 years,,and love this place,,will be retireing shortly,,bob evans is the greatest store to work for,,thank you for having me!!!

Terri Groves

June 28, 2007

To the family of Bob Evans!
You are in our thoughts and prayers. We have enjoyed your sausage and gravy more than you will ever know. I've also had the privilege of corresponding with your family indirectly while my son is a wounded marine from Ohio and Bob and his family has supported him. You're truly a stand up family and I'm sure Bob will find a way to keep his eye on all of those kitchens. It's his nature and that's what makes us all so proud. Our love from ours to yours. Thank you for all you've brought us.

Randy Gibson

June 26, 2007

My deepest sympathies to Steve and the family. I had the privaledge of meeting Bob when his son and I graduated high school. Extremely nice person. My sorrow is we did not keep in touch over the years.

Mary Doster

June 26, 2007

My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. I am sorry for the passing of your husband. I must say I consider Mr. Evans the "Sausage and Gravy King".

Kim Mitchell

June 26, 2007

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Debbie smith

June 26, 2007

oh Im so sorry. I eat bob evans all the time here in michigan.Good luck to the family. Debbie

lynn mahan

June 25, 2007

today? are you kidding me - TODAY????? just today, my twin boys received their "free birthday kids meal" from bob evans. well, thank you, bob. may you smile hearing this...you just made two 9 year olds VERY happy!!!

melissa unit 137

June 25, 2007

My sympathy goe out to the Evans' family.

RENEE DAVIS

June 25, 2007

Dear Evans Family
Your Bob made the best sausage every. I know you will miss him very much,but know this that the Bible give us a promise from Jesus Christ that there will be a resurrection of dear loved ones that has fallen a sleep in death.John 5:28,29

Strother Family

June 25, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

MARY CRIPE

June 25, 2007

MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOUR FAMILY. WHAT A GREAT MAN WITH A VERY KEEN SENSE OF BUSINESS. I KNOW GOD IS ENJOYING HIS SAUSAGE!

Jeanise Kiah

June 25, 2007

It is so sad to hear of the passing of our dear Bob Evans. His idea for those sausages was excellent, truly the best sausage on the market. I am sure that it will never taste the same. Please accept my condolences, and may the you draw stregnth from knowing that Jesus resurected some when walked the face of the earth. Now as a King in the heavens, he will with Gods direction do it again. Look forward to that day with a smile knowing that you may be able to see Bob again. John 5:28,29

Phillip Janson

June 25, 2007

My wife and I gave one of Mr. Evans manager's wife (whose car broke down years ago), a ride; and his manager gave us his rib dinner. What a wonderful man and success. Our thoughts and prayers to his wife and family.

carol & Tom Street

June 25, 2007

a man with a vision and was success
may his start shine love and prayers to the family and many friends

Ms. Chriss Jones

June 25, 2007

my prayers are with y'all

tonya bell

June 25, 2007

I have worked for bob evans for almost 18 years unit 132 i met him once and he was very nice and friendly to all of us my thoughts and prayers are with his family

Floyie Shuford

June 25, 2007

My sympathy goe out to the Evans' family.

Harold, Joe and Nancy, Elvira, Susan and Gary

June 25, 2007

Bob will be in our thoughts and prayers. Whenever it is time to meet for breakfast, someone will chime in with "Bob Evans Down on the Farm" - a simple little jingle that will never be forgotten, just like Bob.

JOANN RUARK

June 24, 2007

MAY GOD BE WITH THE FAMLIY AT THIS SAD TIME ,MY BROTHER & I USE TO WORK AT BOBS UNIT # 13 IN MSBG.OH. MY FAMLIY KNOWS WHAT YOU ARE GOING THOUGH, WE JUST LOST 1 & ONLY BROTHER IN NOV.06 MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AT THIS TIME.

Martha

June 24, 2007

To the Bob Evans God Bless you and your family . My son works at one of the Evansville In chain and he loves it. Rest in peace

Half Mile Home

June 24, 2007

Thank You BoB 4 your vision and good really good sausage....we will always love ya.......

Father Christian Villagomeza

June 24, 2007

You really have fed the hungry with good things!
May you rest in peace.

Ashley Keller

June 24, 2007

I'am so sorry for the loss of your loved one !! All of our prayers at Bob Evans Unit #145 in Pinellas Park Florida! From the bottom of our hearts we thank you for everything !!

Jack Hoffman

June 24, 2007

Thanks for all the wonderful times growing up in Gallipolis Ohio. Your farm in Rio Grande, Ohio was a peaceful picture I carried in my mind as I traveled the world in the U.S. Air Force.

Dale Evans

June 24, 2007

no words can ease the pain of losing alove one may god bless your family .

Dave & Suzanne Cromlish

June 24, 2007

God Bless your Family. I lived in Gallipolis 58-63 ate lots of your products. went to school with Gwen. You will be missed.

Brian Biggs Sr.

June 24, 2007

"Bob Evans Down On the Farm" I will never forget those famous words. God Bless the family and love ones in this time of sorry.

Marsha & Mel Pusatier

June 23, 2007

We moved to Florida about two years ago and have been eating at your restaurant ever since. We just ate there tonight and heard of your passing. God Speed to your family. Rest in peace Mr. Evans.

Mary Bordelon

June 23, 2007

My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

Theresa & John Niski

June 23, 2007

When my husband and I would go traveling around we always knew that the Bob Evans restaurant would be great. I hope it carries on and my condolences to his family.

Ben Beck

June 23, 2007

Everybody dies.

Not everybody lives.

Bob Evans lived!

God Speed.

Raymond Evans

June 23, 2007

We didn't know Bob Evans and only ate at his restaurant when we traveled south. My husband, Ray Evans, always said we have to stop at cousin Bob's place.

Ricky Meade

June 23, 2007

Born and raised in northern Ohio, on the shores of Lake Erie, I remember all the times that I and my late father spent together in a Bob Evans restuarant. In a way, Bob brought us closer together. Gods' speed Bob, and may the Lord look down kindly and bless your family. You will be forever missed!

Becky mayabb

June 23, 2007

Great Sausage ever!

Joyce Jones

June 23, 2007

Jewell, I am saddened to read of Bob's death and send my sympathy. I still remember the Ohio visit in the early '50s and all that you and Bob did to make that memorable for Ray and me. And, how the kids laughed when I said "over yonder"!([email protected])

Joyce Waters Jones

Rose Young-Stewart

June 23, 2007

Just about everyone who has lived in the Midwest has eaten at a Bob Evans restaurant. Where I lived until two years ago in Pontoon Beach, Illinois was a Bob evans Restaurant in Collinsville, Illinois. I'd drive down that street many times in the course of a week and i believe there was never under twenty cars in that parking lot of the restaurant. Now that I live in Upstate, N.Y. I miss going there. Everything was always fresh and served by a courteous wait person. Mr. Evans was right in insisting that the sausage be only the best for his restaurants.
Bob Evans death must be very hard to bear for all his family and those employees who loved him.

Angel Grosnickle Buchanan

June 23, 2007

Such a loss of such an extrordinary person. As lifelong members of the Ohio Quarter Horse Association, it was always a joy to
show at the farm shows and be involved with any of the many activities that Bob contributed.
Thanks for the wonderful memories.
The Grosnickle Family

Rosalyn Nixon Murray

June 23, 2007

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.

The King Family

June 23, 2007

MY PRAYERS GOES OUT TO THE FAMILY. I HAVE ENJOYED EATING AT BOB EVANS RESTURANTS FOR MANY YEARS MY DAD HAD TAKEN ME THEIR FOR MY FIRST TIME AND NOW THANK GOD I TAKE MY SON AND GRANDSONS THEIR.

Kathy O'Brien KM Unit 158

June 22, 2007

What a nice man. My sympathy's to Jewel and the rest of the family. I met Bob in 1986 when I was hired at Bob Evans Farms.My heart is heavy. Bless You.

Terry Burtschin

June 22, 2007

Our first stop at the Ohio State Fair was always to the Bob Evans Tent and the famous sausage sandwich.
A great man, a great institution,
and an icon of Midwest values.

Charles Dotson

June 22, 2007

My deepest sympathy to Jewell and all the Evans Family. Bob was a great man.

Former Sausage Division Employee

Carol E Roussell

June 22, 2007

Ohio lost a GREAT Man in Bob Evans. The Farm will not be the same. God Bless.

Joyce Miller

June 22, 2007

I Haven't ever eaten at Bob's place, I worked in an office with his son in Montana . I am so sorry for your loss, I just lost my Mother Thur. June 21st and my prayers are with you & your family. Sincerely

Patricia A. Hobbs

June 22, 2007

To The Evans Family
Your family was always kind to my family and I,when we lived in Jackson,Ohio,He will be miss by alot of people that knew him

Rosie Perez

June 22, 2007

I am sorry to hear of Bob Evan's passing. I remember hearing his name and hearing the commercial song,"Bob Evans, Down on the Farm", when I was little. I also remember my mother making breakfast for my sister,brother,sister,and I. She would make eggs and Bob Evans sausage patties. It's just a good childhood memory I have of school mornings. I wish I had them both back. But.. OK, Mr. Evans. May you rest in peace and peace to your family and thank you for a wonderful product. Sincerely,

Mary Anne Smith

June 22, 2007

Discovered the restaurants in NJ only recently and have been back for more! Wish we had one in upstate NY. Also read Bob's history in the farming book, All Flesh is Grass. What a great life and a strong man. Condolences to the family. Rest in peace.

Martha

June 22, 2007

Goodbye, Bob. You left the world better than you found it.

Jay Meenach

June 22, 2007

Bob's family,
When I had heard of Bobs passing, I fondly remembered the early mornings my wife and myself would visit my parents in Ashland, Ky. and in the morning when I would wake up to find my wife gone. When I would go into the kitchen and ask Mother she told me that my Dad and my wife would sneak off to Bob Evans to have biscuits and gravy. My Dad passed away in 2001 and that is on of my fondest memories; my Dad and Wife had a close relationship and it was because of their breakfasts together at Bob Evans. Thank You so much for having a man like Bob that could accomplish so much on this earth. My prayers are with You.

Karen Campbell

June 22, 2007

My deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Mr. Evans. We had to move from Michigan to Georgia and the one very important thing we miss is having breakfast after church every Sunday at Bob Evans. Maybe some day the lord will bless us with a Bob Evans in or around Dalton.

Cajun LeBlanc

June 22, 2007

I am sorry to hear Bob Died. His sausage is the best. I used to live in Winchester Va and ate at the restruant regulary. I live in New Orleans now and they don't have a Bob Evans here.
Again my condolances to his family.
Cajun

Holly Lego

June 22, 2007

I worked for, Bob Evans, for 26 years, two restaurants in Ohio and two in Florida. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Evans quite a few times. He was such a pleasant man always smilling. I was sad to hear about his passing, my thoughts go out to his family.
Rest in Peace Bob

Mindy (Yeakle) Warren

June 22, 2007

God bless Bob Evans and his family. My Grandfather knew Bob, being from Gallipolis, Ohio. He's told our family stories about Bob. May the family know peace.

Jim

June 22, 2007

Serve up the best darn sausage in heaven and I'll catch ya later...

Chuck Lees

June 22, 2007

As a young boy and son of a farmer, I had the pleasure of visiting his farm. I felt then it was a treat and still do after these many, many years. Every time I dine at a Bob Evans' recount that wonderful experience and feel like I'm dining with him. May God bless you with treasured and precious memories.

WILLIE ANN SURRY

June 22, 2007

MY PRAYERS GOES OUT TO THE FAMILY. I HAVE ENJOYED EATING AT BOB EVANS RESTURANTS.

Jack McCallister

June 22, 2007

Just wanted to extend my condolence,to the family of Bob. I also just wanted to say that I have enjoyed eating breakfast at several different Bob Evans resturants throughout the midwest, always quality and great service. Bob must of been a very special man.

John Marshall

June 22, 2007

Sorry for your loss. Bob was a great person and big supporter of the Ohio State Fair Junior Division. I remember as a youth, who showed and sold our Hampshire Hogs at the State Fair, the great showcase for youth put on by Merlin Woodruff, Govenor Rhodes, Dave Thomas and Bob Evans at the yearly auctions.
Bob will be sadly missed but his spirit will live on in his many restaurants and the Farm.

Jim,Myra and Nathaniel

June 22, 2007

Evans Family,
So sorry to hear of your loss we sure love to stop by and visit Bob Evans Resturants my sons favorite place glad he was part of history. He will be missed by millions. God Bless the family you're all in our prayers.

Kimberly Evans

June 22, 2007

My sympathy goes to the family of Bob Evans.

A former Buckeye

June 22, 2007

I have eaten at your resturants many many times, as Bob Evans was my fathers favorite place to eat! I haven't been to Ohio in several years, but have fond memories of my father and many shared meals of Bob Evans sausage! My condolences to the family!

Pamela Thompson

June 22, 2007

I can't imagine there ever not being a Bob Evans Restaurant. I have eaten there more than any other restaurant. It has always been my favorite. Thank You!! May you rest in peace.

Kim Bermingham

June 21, 2007

Very sorry to hear about this wonderful man! God be with his family now and always!

Bud Stewart

June 21, 2007

I never met you but enjoyed your breakfast while on the road whenever I could. Good food Good family values and life well lived. My sympanthy to the wife and extended family members. Keep all your fond memories close to your heart till you meet again God Bless

June 21, 2007

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.

Mr. & Mrs. Jose & Cheryl Soto

June 21, 2007

Rest In Peace Mr. Bob Evans, you are deeply missed by everyone who enjoys the great food at any of your resturants!! May The Lord guide & watch over your family & help them to continue on your great legacy! GOG BLESS!!

J Henderson

June 21, 2007

Rest In Peace, you accomplished great things in your life, what a legend. My Sympathy to the family.

God Bless.

Hugh M. Ralston

June 21, 2007

Enjoyed your good food for years. Rest In peace.

Gary & Judy Landsman

June 21, 2007

On our move here in Henderson, NV from Long Island, NY we ate in one of Mr. Evans' restaurants in Joliette, IL twice and had a very good experience both times. We both enjoyed our meals there. We express our sympathies and condolences to the entire Evans Family in this time of mourning.

patsy gordon

June 21, 2007

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

VERNELLE BLAND

June 21, 2007

THANKS FOR SOME GOOD FOOD.

D.L. ZIMMERMAN

June 21, 2007

REST IN PEACE BOB EVANS, YOU HAD A LONG LIFE, ATE A LOT OF YOUR FOOD

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