Kenneth Evans

Kenneth Lee Evans Ken Evans of Federal Way passed away at the age of 78 on April 28, after a brief battle with cancer, surrounded by his loving family. He was born Dec.24, 1933, in Shelton to Ed and Leona (Hunt) Evans. Kenny was raised in Hoodsport and graduated from Shelton High School in 1951, where he was voted "the best smile". He was married to Donnagene Paulson from 1953 to 1977 and they had four daughters and resided in Olympia. Kenny was a "Chevy Guy", starting a lifelong career in the automobile industry working in parts and service departments for local car dealerships and eventually working for General Motors. Ken married Lynn Chamberlin from Seattle and his job transferred them to Detroit, MI, for eight years and then to Port of Tacoma where he retired from GMC in 1993. Kenny returned to the Northwest to be near his family and fulfilled a dream of owning a boat again. He was an avid boater and joined the Tacoma Yacht Club in 1997 and served as Commodore 2003-4. He enjoyed cruising the waters of the Northwest, and loved fishing, crabbing, and the camaraderie of boating. Kenny was a genuine, enthusiastic and positive guy with a great sense of humor. He always had an entertaining story to tell. He made sure he was available and in attendance for his kids and grand kids events, both in hard and good times. He loved his grandson's baseball games, fishing with family, and road racing events with two of his sons-in-law. His pet dogs were always an important part of his life. He loved music such as John Philip Sousa at full volume and could sing many a song with gusto. He loved talking or singing into a microphone and often emceed events. He truly enjoyed "the good life". Ken's biggest love and pride was his family. He was a fun, loving, and devoted husband, dad, and grandpa. He is survived by his wife Lynn of 35 years, and four daughters and sons-in-law: Linda (John) Lentz and Karen (Rod) Powell from Olympia, Rhonda (Greg) Thomsen, Seattle, and Carol (Dave) Haire, Edmonds. He has 7 grandchildren Shina Wysocki, Kyle Lentz, Ashley and Alyssa Powell, Sadie Hinklin, Seth and Cody Thomsen. His 3 great grandchildren are Mack, Ruby and Liam. Also are his first wife Donnagene Ward, a niece (Cindy Kellogg) and nephew (Gary Corey), many friends and his dog Sophie. Ken will be missed by all. A celebration of Ken's life will be May 18th at the Tacoma Yacht Club at 7 pm. Contributions can be made to your local Humane Society or Food Bank.