Robert R. "Bob" Evans

Robert R. "Bob" Evans -MESA, AZ - Robert R. "Bob" Evans passed away on October 31, 2008 at age 86. -He is survived by his wife Nell; daughter, Carolyn and son-in-law, Grant Baecker; daughter, Marilyn Evans; son, Rob and daughter-in-law, Gail; and Jeff and Joan Quinn. His grandchildren include, Grant (Brette) and Scott (Julie) Baecker; Ryan Hawker and Shelby Hawker Brea (Alberto); and Trey Evans. He has six great grandchildren, Tripp, Riley, Dylan, Lauren, Tatum and Cole. -Bob was born in Tempe on August 27, 1922. He grew up in Flagstaff and attended Arizona State College. In 1943, he left school to enlist and became an instructor pilot. He continued to fly until his 80th year. In 1954, he moved his family to Mesa to join his father in business. -Bob believed it was a responsibility to contribute to his community's development. His leadership at the State Board of Transportation helped to establish our freeway system. He was a founder of the Kids Voting program, a Rotary past district governor, and a founding member and past president of the East Valley Partnership. Among the honors he received were the Hon Kachina Award (1992), Mesa's Man of the Year (1993) and the INC Magazine Regional Entrepreneur Award (1993). -Bob was an avid skier, loved scuba diving, travel and dancing. His love, great energy, sense of adventure and fun enriched the lives of his family and all who knew him. -The family wishes to thank the staff on 2 East wing at Friendship Village Health Center and the Hospice of the Valley for the extraordinary care Bob received during his stay and final illness. -A memorial service will be held on Thursday, November 6, 2008 at 2 P.M., at the First Presbyterian Church, 161 N. Mesa Dr., Mesa. -In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Superstition Mountain Mental Health Center, P. O. Box 3160, Apache Junction, AZ 85217, or to any charity of choice. -Meldrum Mortuary handled the arrangements. Robert Evans