Peoria - Evan Christopher Etchason Lied of Peoria passed away on Monday, June 8, 2009, at 9:49 a.m. at his residence, ending his battle with brain cancer.
Evan was born in Grosse Pointe Woods, Mich., on Aug. 30, 1985.
Surviving are his parents, Michael and Cherlyn Lied; brother, Jason Lied, and his wife, Heather (Dean), and their sons Jack Alexander and Henry Christopher; brother, Adam Lied, and his wife, Laura (Wenskus); grandfather, Wolfgang Lied; stepgrandmother, Royce Etchason; uncle, Walt Lied; aunts, Cathy Lied and Sue Culshaw; cousins, Amanda Lied-Gates and Jennifer Culp; and German relatives, Renate Gugerel, Else Riemenschneider, Thomas Lied, Andreas Lied and their families.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Bill and Mabel Etchason; his paternal grandmother, Inge Lied; as well as one uncle, Marty Etchason.
Evan graduated from Dunlap High School in 2005.
He lived with his two cats in his CWTC sponsored apartment.
Before his final illness he was employed by Peoria Production Shop.
Evan's interests were many and eclectic. He had a great imagination, a wonderful sense of humor and a razor-sharp wit. A born comedian, he could always be counted on to provide a pun at a moment's notice.
He also loved to write and had been working on his novel, "Disco Alien," for years. He was an avid reader, whose bookshelf contained the complete works of Homer, Twain and Poe and nearly all the Garfield cartoon books.
Evan had broad musical tastes, enjoying everything from Frank Zappa to Tom Jones. He was a musician himself, playing both the drum set and his African hand drum. If he was not playing music, he enjoyed dancing to it. An ardent sports fan, Evan loved watching the NFL, the NBA and professional wrestling. He also enjoyed playing basketball and tennis.
He was heavily involved with Bethany Baptist Church, serving in the nursery and also sharing his time and faith with children at Bible School and AWANA.
Evan's fantastic experience while attending Camp Coco, a summer camp for kids with cancer, led him to become involved first as a junior counselor and eventually as a counselor.
Evan's first tumor appeared at age 3, yet he overcame the numerous challenges imposed by his illness and its treatment with a positive outlook and without complaint for almost 21 years.
It can safely be said that he touched the life of every person he encountered or who heard his story.
Cremation rites have been accorded, and a private graveside ceremony for family will be held.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for contributions in Evan's memory to the residential program at Community Workshop and Training Center Inc. (CWTC), 3215 N. University, Peoria, IL 61604; Camp Coco, SIU Foundation, 927 N. Rutledge, Springfield, IL 62794; or Dream Factory, which fulfills dreams for Peoria-area children suffering from life-changing illnesses, P.O. Box 403, Pekin, Ill.
The family has decided that the money normally spent on thank-you notes will be better used by the organizations listed above. Please accept our heartfelt gratitude for any donations.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Tim and Darcy Stanley
July 10, 2009
Mike and Cherlyn,
It's clear from reading the many entries in this book that Evan was a very special young man whose life, though brief, had a positive impact on all those who knew him. While we can't begin to understand the heartache of losing a child, we can and will pray for you and your family.
Dale Schaeffer
July 3, 2009
I remember when Mike brought Evan to my parents house in northern Michigan one weekend many years ago and even though it was rather rainy and dismal vacation weather, that didn't bother Evan in the least. Anytime I saw Evan he was always looking ahead to the future with a bright attitude we all wished to share. He is finally free from the war he waged against his illness, but he put up a fight to be proud of! He will be missed by all who knew him. Sorry we never got to that fishing trip.
Sharon Lusher
June 16, 2009
Dear Mike, Cherlyn & family
We are so sorry about Evan.Our hearts
and prayers are with you. What an inspiration he was for all of us.
Kerry & Sharon Lusher
Marnie Mikulay
June 16, 2009
Mike - I am so sorry to learn that your son, Evan, has passed away. I never knew him, but last year you shared with me the story of his illness, and I have thought about him and your family many times since then. He sounds like he was a wonderful young man and brought you great happiness. My thoughts and prayers go to you and your family.
Anna
June 16, 2009
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Evan Will be missed.
Heather
June 15, 2009
Mr. & Mrs. Lied,
I was foturnate to have been Evan's Residential Manager at Rochelle. He was such a great guy - always making everyone smile - and so talented and kind. I was so sad to hear this news. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Joe Gagliardo
June 15, 2009
Mike, my heartfelt sympathies to you and your family.
Mick Hall
June 15, 2009
Mike, Jami and I are profoundly sorry for your loss. Your family is in our thoughts.
Michelle Reyburn
June 15, 2009
Mike -
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers - Evan is in a wonderful place now without pain and suffering. He is probably up there playing music for everyone! May God Bless him and your family.
June 15, 2009
Mike, I am so sorry for the loss of your son. I will keep you and your family in my prayers and follow your advice and hug my loved ones every chance I get.
Vernalee McKee, CCMHA
Bob Tice
June 15, 2009
Mike, I am so sorry for the loss of your son. My warmest condolences to you and your family.
Jan Dowell
June 15, 2009
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. I will keep you & Evan in my prayers.
Leon Dreimann
June 14, 2009
Dear Mike,
Our condolences to you and your family .
Such tragic news.
I will follow your advice and hug my loved
ones every chance I get.
Leon
Danielle Billerbeck
June 14, 2009
Evan was such an amazing person! He always had a smile on his face! He would light up a room! Evan will be greatly missed!
My thoughts and prayers are with all of his family and friends.
Dan Champion
June 14, 2009
Mike,
We are very sorry for your loss.
Glenn Gaffney
June 13, 2009
Mike and family-
Peace be with you and your entire family.
Kim Richards
June 13, 2009
Mike,
My condolenses to you, your wife, and entire family. Please accept my deepest sympathies to you all.
Carrol & Joe Peery
June 12, 2009
For everyone who knew Evan, may God comfort you in your grief. We know that he was one of God's special ones who blessed all who crossed his path. All of you, along with Evan, have been an inspiration to so many. In this way, Evan lives on.
Richard Berry
June 12, 2009
Mike: Your son must have been a source of great pride and joy for you and your wife. I do not think there is anything more difficult to deal with in this life than the loss of a child. May Evan be with God and his angels and saints! And may God bless you in the difficult days and weeks ahead, and may you be comforted by the scores of wonderful memories you have of Evan.
Guyla & Elmo Hubble
June 12, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Scott Hedden
June 12, 2009
Mike, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your son. I only had the chance to meet him once and that was at the Prairie State Legal Services fund raiser a couple of years ago. I had no idea of his struggles. Based your comments it sounds that he was someone who made the best of his life despite the bad hand that was dealt to him. You have a right to be proud.
Alisha Schulman
June 12, 2009
Mr. and Mrs. Lied, I am deeply saddened by the loss of your dear son who brought laugher to those around him. Never forget to smile when telling stories of him - he wouldn't want it any other way.
Audrey Hellinger
June 12, 2009
Michael and Cherlyn,
No-one can describe the pain we suffer at the loss of a child. My heart goes out to both of you as your hearts must be broken. I hope Evan is in a peaceful place now.
Warm Regards, Audrey
Chris Ryan
June 12, 2009
Mike,
Sue and I and Kate and Matt share your grief and loss. Remember to keep those good memories close to you always. They are the ones that will endure after the pain of this time slowly fades. He was an inspiration to us all, as are you and your family.
Randy Lawson
June 12, 2009
Mike, our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathy go out to you, Cherlyn and your family.
Dick Adams
June 12, 2009
Mike...
So sorry to hear the news.
June 12, 2009
Mike and Cher - I was hoping not to hear this news for a long time. Jean and I extend our deepest condolences. Our hearts go out to you guys. You are in our thoughts.
Mark & Jean Koznarek
Bill & Pat Gohring
June 12, 2009
You, Evan, and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
June 12, 2009
what to say... Evan is a beatiful person.
Please allow me to help you with whatever you need, even if its doing laundry. ANything that would take away some of the burdon. I miss you all, lots of hugs!
Marie Renner
June 11, 2009
Mike, I was so sorry to hear about your son. Mom keeps me posted on the Peoria news. I am one who can relate to your grief since I lost a son not long ago in a freak accident. At least you can take heart in knowing that you were able to enjoy Evan and his many talents for as long as you did. May those many memories surround your hearts with warmth and help you to get through this most difficult time. I recall you had a great sense of humor. Laughter will help.You and your family will be in my prayers.
Marie Fry Renner
June 11, 2009
Mr and Mrs. Lied, I was sorry to hear Evan lost his battle. He was always a joy to see with his positive attitude and stength. Please accept my sympathy and prayers for Evan and your family. John Otten M.D., D.D.S.
Mallori Tomblin
June 11, 2009
Growing up with Evan was very entertaining especially on bus rides home from school! He was a very special individual and will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers go to the Lied family!
Mallori Tomblin
Joan Fry
June 10, 2009
Mike, please accept my heartfelt sympathy on the death of your son, Evan. What a wonderful inspiration he must have been to many people. From reading his obituary it is obvious he was a very talented young man, one I would like to have known. I have fond memories of our days at Washington Rexall Drugs. My prayers are with you and your family. Sincerely, Joan Fry
Brian Wright
June 10, 2009
I will remember Evan's sense of humor the most. He could make me laugh out loud at any given moment. The best part was how unassuming he was when delivering the line. I always enjoyed talking with Evan, even though many of the conversations were brief. My deepest sympathies to the wonderful Lied family. Evan will be missed.
Cindy & Randy Parr & family
June 10, 2009
Cheryln & Michael and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in your time of grief. May God bless and comfort you.
Diane Johnson
June 10, 2009
I didn't know Evan very well, but he always seemed brave and humerous. I have many memories of Cherilyn and 3 boys helping with 2 yr olds at church and Evan helping with AWANA. He got to go see Jesus first, but we will join him someday. Praise God he's out of pain. I will continue to pray for the family as they grieve their tremendous loss. May God comfort all of his family and friends and give you strength and peace at this difficult time.
Shannon
June 10, 2009
I did not know Evan personally, but I know Amanda. I heard his story today and eventhough Evan lost his battle, he fought it well. He out-lived the doctors predictions giving family & friends more time to share. Remember the laughter and smiles that were shared. You are all in my thoughts & prayers!
Taylor Bronson
June 10, 2009
I use to work with Evan, when he was a dishwasher at Pizza Inn. He was always so sweet, and helped the day pass with jokes and laughs. I'm truly saddened by this, my thoughts are with you all, Evan was a great guy. He'll be missed
June 10, 2009
Dear Lied family- My thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless Elyn Muler
Alanda
June 10, 2009
My thoughts and prayers go out to Jason and the entire Lied family. My sympathies are with you. I know you will miss your brother. Always remember the good times you had.
Ann Stommel
June 10, 2009
I worked with Mike many years ago at S&W when Evan first became ill and I saw Evan many times through the years at Legal Aid concerts. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Lied family.
June 10, 2009
From the staff at Barnes & Noble, our deepest condolences to Evan's family. He was a regular, and he will be missed.
Angel L
June 10, 2009
I used to sit by Evan at church. He was so sweet and funny. He will be greatly missed! My thoughts and prayers are with the Lied Family.
Evan Lied
June 10, 2009
Our heartfelt condolences to Evan's whole family. He touched so many lives and will be sorely missed by all for his goodness, kindness and great sense of humor. God will be welcoming another angel.
Most sincerely,
Cassie, Bill and Philip Bridges
jessica neckel
June 10, 2009
michael and cherlyn you have my condolences. i will miss him dearly.
Amanda Curry
June 10, 2009
I went to Grade School with Evan. He was always the sweetest person! My condolences go out to all of Evan's Family.
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