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John V. Evans

1925 - 2014

John V. Evans obituary, 1925-2014, Boise, ID

John Evans Obituary

John V. Evans
January 18, 1925 - July 8, 2014
Idaho's faithful servant, Governor John Victor Evans, Sr. joined his heavenly family on July 8, 2014, surrounded by family at his home in Boise, ID. A descendant of an Idaho pioneer family, John was born in Malad, Idaho on January 18, 1925, to David Lloyd and Margaret Thomas Evans. He attended public schools in Malad and graduated from Malad High School in 1943. An accomplished athlete, "Jack", as he was fondly called, helped lead his high school basketball team to district championship against Pocatello High School in his senior year - quite a feat for the small Malad hamlet.
Evans attended Idaho State University prior to joining the Army. He spent 18 months overseas as an Army infantryman in World War II, serving in the Philippines and Korea. He married his high school sweetheart, Lola Daniels, on April 29, 1945, in Malad, Idaho, while home on leave before being shipped to overseas. John and Lola celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary this year. At war's end, he attended Stanford University and graduated with a degree in business and economics. Before becoming Governor, Evans was a Malad farmer, rancher, and businessman. With his two brothers and sister, he operated business holdings established by his father and grandfather.
Following in the footsteps of his grandfather, D.L. Evans, who served as Idaho House Speaker at the turn of the 20th century, Evans spent thirty-three years in public service. His service was almost continuous from 1953 to 1987 when he finished his term as the 27th Governor of the State of Idaho. He served three terms in the Idaho Senate from 1953 to 1958, serving as Majority Leader of the Idaho Senate in 1957-1958. Mr. Evans left the legislature and was elected Mayor of Malad and served from 1960 to 1966. Mr. Evans returned to the Senate in 1967 (Minority Leader from 1969-1974) and served four more terms, until his election as Lieutenant Governor in 1974.
His crowning political achievement came when Evans became Idaho's twenty-seventh Governor on January 24, 1977. Governor Cecil Andrus was appointed to Secretary of the Interior, Lieutenant Governor John V. Evans succeeded to the Office of Governor. He was elected to a four-year term as Governor on November 7, 1978 and re-elected to a second term in November of 1982. During his first term, Governor Evans initiated a "Capital for a Day" program that took the administration of state government to each county seat for a day activity. As part of the day, he conducted town hall meetings giving participants the opportunity to voice their concerns and hear directly from the Governor.
While Governor he was particularly dedicated to providing the children of Idaho the finest educational opportunities possible under rather extreme budgetary limitations. Facing severe financial deficits during the early eighties he supported both severe budget restrictions as well as increased taxes to provide for a growing state economy and balance the state's budget.
Being a farmer and understanding the importance of Idaho's water, Governor Evans guided Idaho in the resolution of one of the most troubling water issues of the century. Governor Evans, along with then Attorney General Jim Jones, negotiated a settlement with Idaho Power on the Swan Falls Decision, which established minimum flow for power generation and required a basin wide adjudication of the Snake River Water Rights.
With the closing of Idaho's oldest and largest silver mine "Bunker Hill" in Shoshone County in 1982 and the loss of 2,200 miner's jobs, Governor Evans marshaled state and federal resources available to stabilize the North Idaho mining economy, locate jobs for the unemployed miners and support their families. He counted this time as one of the most troubling economic times in our state's history.
Governor Evans was active in both the Western Governors' Association and the National Governors' Association. He served as vice chairman and chairman of the Western Governors' Conference. He served on numerous National Governors' Association committees, many in committee leadership positions. Idaho's capital city, Boise, was the site of the 1985 National Governors' Association Annual Meeting. As the Host Governor, Governor Evans also welcomed seven of Canada's ten Province Premiers, who participated for the first time in a National Governors' Association annual meeting. During this meeting, a Governors and Premiers Task Force on Trade was established, and Governor Evans and Premier William Bennett of British Columbia were named co-chairmen.
In 1986, Governor Evans experienced his only election defeat when he ran for the U.S. Senate. The Gov retired from public office on January 5, 1987, at the completion of his second full term as Governor and was recognized as having held the office for ten years, which is the third longest term of any Governor in Idaho's history.
He joined D.L. Evans Bank in Burley, Idaho, as President and served in that capacity until his death. He actively worked in the Bank until 2009 and, with his son, CEO John V. Evans, Jr., grew D.L. Evans Bank from two branches to 21 branches, soon to grow to 26 branches by September 15, 2014. He took great pleasure in serving on the D.L. Evans Bancorp and D.L. Evans Bank Boards of Directors with his brother, Chairman Don S. Evans, Sr.; nieces, M. DeLell Evans and Paula D. Evans; nephews Don S. Evans, Jr. and Larry L. Evans, children, David L. Evans, CEO John V. Evans, Jr., Martha Evans Gilgen and Susan Evans Scarlett; and close Burley friends and businessmen, Glen Kunau, Lex Kunau, and James Lynch, Sr.
Fondly called "Guv" by bank employees, John truly enjoyed his banking career and was a great spokesperson. He loved the camaraderie of the Bank employees and meeting and working for the Bank's customers. He always made time to meet with customers, advise staff and was routinely the last employee to leave at the end of the day. He immersed himself into community service, supporting the efforts of many associations throughout the Magic Valley. He served as secretary of the Independent Community Bankers Association and on ICBA committees and lobbied Congress on behalf of the nation's community bankers.
His public accomplishments are well recognized, but they pale in comparison to his love and support of his family. He loved his wife, Lola, dearly and cared for her passionately. They were a powerful political team, renowned for their ability to "work a crowd". He created opportunities for his children and grandchildren and planned for his grandchildren's college education. His grandchildren loved his Dempsey breakfasts, cooked on the old cabin's wood burning stove. Despite his busy schedule he always had time for his grandchildren at the Dempsey Creek Ranch. He was a voracious reader and writer of Dempsey journals. You could depend on him to have a pen is his pocket - always prepared!
He supported the Democratic Party, unconditionally gave time to democratic candidates and championed social justice causes. He believed in rights for all Idahoans, a constant progressive thinker; in 1965, he was the father who told his ten-year old daughter she would go to college and should become a lawyer.
Too numerous to name are the many civic, city, county, state and national organizations on which he served throughout his lifetime. Mr. Evans is a member of the Veteran of Foreign Wars, American Legion, and served as vice chairman of the National Distinguished Guests Committee of the American Legion. He was a member of the 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Masonic Lodge, a member of the Masonic Lodge #51 Malad, Fraternal Order of Eagles, and the Rotary Club.
Mr. Evans is survived by his lovely wife, Lola D. Evans, brother, Don S. Evans, Sr. (Demona) Malad, ID; his children, David L. (Marian), Malad; ID; John V. (Karen), Burley, ID; Martha Evans Gilgen (Brent), Boise, ID; Susan Evans Scarlett (Paul), Portland, OR; and Thomas D. Evans, Twin Falls, ID. Gov. Evans had 15 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. His parents, David L. and Margaret T. Evans, brothers D.L. and Roland, sisters Neva and Mariemma, precede Mr. Evans in death.
Governor Evans will lie in state at the State Capitol on Friday, July 11, 2014, from 1 to 4 pm, for public viewing. Funeral services will follow at the First United Methodist Church, Cathedral of the Rockies, at 5 pm, under the direction of Summers Funeral Homes. Memorial services will be held at the Second Ward Church, Malad City, Idaho on July 12, 2014, at noon with graveside services following at the Malad City Cemetery, under the direction of Horsley Funeral Homes.
The family expresses their appreciation to Alexis Thiel, Bobbie McCommon, Brenna Kreglo and Abby Carman of 24/7 Idaho Home Care and Harrison's Hope Hospice for their excellent care and attention. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to any Idaho public school, college or university, a charity of your choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Idaho State Journal on Jul. 10, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for John Evans

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Jim Renell

July 28, 2014

"The Guv was the best boss I ever worked for. He genuinely cared about his bank customers, his employees and anyone he met. I will miss interacting with him greatly, as I was always enriched by doing so. His legacy continues on in his family." Jim Renell, retired D.L.Evans banker

July 23, 2014

Dear Lola and family,
I was on my way to Iowa when I got the word that the Gov had passed away. I so wanted to be at the service. It was an honor to work for him. I enjoyed traveling with him and Lola and shared some funny stories. Family was so important to him. He took time to share a piece of birthday cake with my daughter. He was a man of integrity and cared for the commom man.

Pat Casey Hallgen, Welches, Oregon

July 21, 2014

To Lola. I can't believe 'Jack' is gone. What a sad time this is for you. Jack was such a wonderful guy and I am sure he was the best life's companion possible. It is difficult to imagine just how much he will be missed from now on by you and your family. We wish you the best there is. John, as we have now learned is his real name, was one year behind me in the Malad school system. One house between our homes on Main Street. I remember walking the four long blocks to school with him now and then as we both hurried not to be late. And it has been so lovely since then watching all of his goings on--it was especially lovely watching the great job he did for Idaho as governor. I have also heard that our family and Jack's are related: Mary Elizabeth Davis (the first Mrs. Thomas Daniels) and my great grandmother, Letitia Davies (Mrs. Benjamin Thomas) were sisters I am told. I am assuming you will be living in Malad from now on, Lola. Malad, an idyllic place as I remember it. Take care and God bless. Kay and Earl Chandler (Kathleen Jones).

Judy Fisher

July 15, 2014

Dear Evans family- I knew John V, Dave, Johnny and Martha when we all were in college. i was married to Randy John from Malad and spent many a summer and lots of fun times in Boise with all of them. I thought John V was the most awesome governor ever-we all campaigned for him and loved all the great times at the election returns.

Wanted to say hey to all of you for adding such memories to my life.

Judy John Fisher

Leslie Hansen

July 14, 2014

Johnny and Karen, I am so sorry for your loss. What a great legacy he has left.

D C

July 14, 2014

A good man whose positive contributions have not been forgotten.

Donna Boe

July 13, 2014

to Lola and the family, my sympathy in the loss of Gov. Evans. I so enjoyed working on his political campaign in SE Idaho, even if it didn't turn out as we had hoped. I learned to appreciate his friendliness and integrity and wish we had more political stars like him.

Rose Bowman

July 11, 2014

All my love and deepest sympathy to all of you in the "Guv's" family. He was a Prince of a man who among other things made Idaho a better place to live.

July 10, 2014

I was deeply saddened by the news that Governor Evans had passed away and offer my heartfelt condolences to his family and many close friends. He was a giant in Idaho politics and a force in the banking industry. He was, first and foremost, a consummate gentleman. In my personal observations over many years, Governor Evans had an unshakable faith in the people and communities of this great state throughout his distinguished personal, professional, and political career. He could work a room like few others, but exhibited a genuine warmth and sincerity toward everyone he met. "The Guv" leaves a legacy of service that is unmatched and he will be sorely missed by Idahoans from all walks of life. I count myself most fortunate to have known him.
-George Baker

July 10, 2014

To the entire Evan's family and clan, I was so saddened to hear of John's passing. I have so many fond memories of John and Lola, Marth, Suzy and Tommy. My heart felt prayers go out to you at this time. Bless you all.

Love
Ellen

Bernadette Bonaminio

July 10, 2014

What memories we all have of just living in the time and era of the "Gov" and his leadership in the State of Idaho. We feel fortunate to have been here while Gov John Evans was in office. He would lunch in the Mode Tea Room and always stop to say hello and greet the public with his smile and reassurance that you knew he was taking care of the State of Idaho's business. As a Realtor, my deals thru D.L Evans Bank went smooth and seamless. That institution's mantra was to do "good business". God bless the family.

Judy Myrle Jones

July 10, 2014

I will miss you Uncle Jack. I will never forget you saddling up all the horses in Malad so each of us could ride. Great childhood memories. My best to Lola and your family. You all hold a special place in my heart.

Christine Moorhouse

July 10, 2014

RIP

Bobbie Hobson (Frederick)

July 10, 2014

Lola, Susie, and family, You have lost an amazing man and public servant. I remember him fondly and will be praying for all of you in this time of sorrow. (I was Susie's fifth grade teacher at Jefferson and enjoyed her so much.)

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Memorial Events
for John Evans

Jul

11

Lying in State

1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

State Capitol

ID

Jul

11

Funeral service

5:00 p.m.

First United Methodist Church, Cathedral of the Rockies

ID

Jul

12

Memorial service

12:00 p.m.

Second Ward Church

Malad City, ID

Jul

12

Graveside service

Malad City Cemetery

ID

Funeral services provided by:

Summers Funeral Home - Ustick Chapel - Meridian

3629 East Ustick Road, Meridian, ID 83642

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