Walter Haskell Evans

Walter Haskell Evans Our beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather found relief from the difficulties that marked his later years when he passed away quietly on June 8, 2010. Born July 29, 1919 in Okmulgee, Oklahoma to Henry Evans and Claudia Henson Evans, he was predeceased by his parents and siblings, "Duke", John and Georgia. He also outlived his beloved wife of 62 years, Betty Pickren Evans and son, David Evans. Walter is survived by son, John Philip Evans and daughter, Sara Elizabeth "Sally" Evans (Palmer Evans). Also surviving him are grandchildren, Matthew Evans (Krista), Ann Erica Evans Fredona (Mike), Bryn Evans (Michelle) and Rhian Evans Allvin (Paul) and great-grandchildren, P.J., and Travis Evans, Meghan and Jordyn Evans, Delaina Fredona and Austin, Eli and Isabel Allvin. Walter had a brilliant mind for math, engineering and physics and while in Classen High School (Oklahoma City) and the University of Oklahoma, he was known for taking every advanced course in physics, mathematics and engineering offered. He majored in Electrical Engineering at O.U. and worked for the campus radio station and KOMA, a commercial station, to help support himself and his new wife, Betty. While he was in ROTC at O.U., the Army became aware of Walter's expertise in high-powered radio which was needed for the war effort, and Walter joined the Signal Corp. Within three weeks, he was on a boat to the Mediterranean where he was put in charge of establishing radio communication from France to Algiers to Casa Blanca, then on to London and Washington D.C. He was awarded the Legion of Merit for this work. After 39 months overseas, Walter returned home and completed his bachelors and masters degrees in Electrical Engineering. Their first child, John Philip was born in Oklahoma City before they moved to Ames, Iowa where Walter became a professor and completed his PhD in E.E. Their second and third children, David Frances and Sara Elizabeth "Sally" were born in Ames prior to the family moving to Tucson in 1958 for Walter, now "Dr. Evans", to become a professor at the University of Arizona. He also wrote and published two textbooks which were translated into several languages and worked in atmospheric physics and lightning research. Throughout his teaching career, Walter had a particular interest in helping students that needed a boost to reach their potential. He was central to the 1970 establishment of "New Start", a summer transition program to prepare minority high school students for University life. The program remains active to this day and several years ago Walter Evans received an award for its impetus. Walter retired in 1981 and remained active with his grandchildren and family. His genuine gentleness, sense of humor and foundation of human values live on in the hearts and souls of his family. He did not want a service after his death (and, in fact, donated his remains to the University of Arizona College of Medicine) but his family will get together to enjoy his favorite Mexican food and recount stories of what a pleasure he was. The family wants to thank especially the kind staff of Encore Senior Village where he enjoyed excellent, loving care in his last months, and TMC Hospice for the support and caring shown toward all of us in his last weeks. Remembrances can be in the form of donations to the TMC Hospice (c/o the TMC Foundation, 5301 E. Grant Rd., Tucson, AZ 85712) or New Start (c/o University of Arizona, 4210 N. Campbell Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85719).