Thomas Evans

Thomas "Tom" Bruce Evans, 73, of Carlyle, Illinois, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family on August 23rd, 2025.

Tom was born on March 30, 1952, to Robert Hugh and Jeannette Catherine Evans (née Huemmer) in Red Bud, Illinois. He attended a Catholic grade school and graduated from Mt. Vernon Township High School in 1970. Shortly after, he served his country with a brief enlistment in the U.S. Army and later studied Geology at Kaskaskia College.

From childhood, Tom was adventurous, spending countless hours outdoors, fishing, and enjoying summer camp. As a teenager, he discovered his love of art, winning several drawing competitions as well as participating on the Mt. Vernon High School Men's Gymnastic Team before developing a lifelong passion for cars. He built and restored several hotrods over the years, his favorite being a Gold 1971 Ford Mach 1, along with a Red 1969 Mustang Fastback, a Yellow 1967 Cougar, a 1950 Chevy Styleline Deluxe, and in the mid-1980s, a custom Lime-Green Volkswagen Beetle admired by many.

Tom's passion for the open road extended to motorcycles, which he enjoyed riding across the country with his wife. Among his prized bikes were the 1982 Kawasaki ZK1000R Eddie Lawson race replica and his beloved Suzuki 1100, affectionately known as "Suzy."

His working years were spent in various fields: Architectural Drafting, as a Geologist for Evans Exploration/Jem Oil, at Lincoln Auto Parts in Carlyle, and as an over-the-road truck driver for Parish Trucking Company in Freeburg, Illinois, until his cancer diagnosis in 2004.

A hobbyist at heart, Tom enjoyed building and flying RC airplanes, experimenting with electronics, playing billiards in the Flamingo Bar men's league, and strumming his acoustic guitar. Music held a special place in his home, where family recalls songs like Fred Bear by Ted Nugent, Dominique by The Singing Nun, and May It Be by Enya filling the rooms. In later years, he also developed an enthusiasm for rifles and handguns.

On August 3, 1983, Tom married the love of his life, Linda Mae Evans (née Lammers). Together, they shared over four decades, raising their family in Edgewater Beach before moving into a quaint yellow house in Carlyle, Linda's favorite color, to enjoy their final years together.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Linda, and their eleven children: Robert J. (Laura) Evans of Centralia; A. "Lee" Evans of Centralia; Christopher S. (Amy) Evans of Manitou Springs, CO; James E. (Salvador) Mendoza of Chicago; Mellisa R. (Leonid) Karasev of Vancouver, WA; Tommy M. (Allen) Hagen of Breese; Jody (Robbie) Smith of Hoyleton; Jessica V. (Anthony) Davis of Salem; Gregory J. (Alyson) Evans of Breese; Riki D. Evans (Bobby Endicott) of Carlyle; and Jeanette "Katie" Evans (Robbie Hunt) of Beckemeyer.

He is also survived by sixteen grandchildren: Ashley Evans (Jake Henry), Justin (Arylynn) Evans, Izabel Evans, Christian Evans-Walker, Presley Evans, Adessa Karasev, Aidan Karasev, Austin Hagen, Camryn Hagen, Lexi Smith (Joseph O'Bear), Angela Smith, Michael Davis, Anabelle Evans, Eleanor Evans, William Evans, and Benjamin Evans; and eight great-grandchildren: Brennan Howerton, Farrah Howerton, Easton Henry, Beckett Henry, Briar Henry, Madilyn Hocking, Olyver Evans, and Malenia O'Bear.

Also surviving are his siblings Richard Evans, Daniel Evans, Gregory Evans, and Roberta Evans, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He now joins in eternal peace his parents, Robert and Jeannette Evans; his brother, James "Jim" Evans; his angel daughters, Gyndi Evans and Kitten Evans; his angel grandson, Wyatt Jameson Evans and his angel great-grandchildren, Connor Henry and Harlow Henry-precious little souls never held in our arms but always held in our hearts.

Most of all, Tom was a family man. He loved his wife and children deeply, and he found his greatest joy in the lives and accomplishments of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Coming from a large family and raising one of his own was a source of pride and meaning in his life. He will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, his creative passions, and his unwavering love for family.

As J.R.R. Tolkien once wrote, "End? No, the journey doesn't end here. Death is just another path, one that we all must take." Tom's journey continues in the hearts of those who loved him, and his memory will forever remain a guiding light.

A Celebration of Life honoring Tom will be held on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Holy Garden of Prayer Hall, 430 21st Street, Carlyle, IL 62231. Family and friends are invited to an open house from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Lunch will be provided, and all are welcome to come, share a story or two, and give Tom a farewell filled with love, laughter, and remembrance. In lieu of flowers or gifts, those who wish may contribute to a Memorial Tree to be planted at the Carlyle Fish Hatchery through the City of Carlyle Parks Department-a lasting tribute that will grow in Tom's memory and carry his legacy forward for generations.