Richard V. Evans Jr. Obituary (1933 - 2023)

Richard "Dick" Vaughn Evans Jr., 90 of Taylorville passed away on Friday, August 11, 2023 at 8:05 p.m. at Springfield Memorial Hospital in Springfield, IL. He was born on January 27, 1933 in Decatur, IL the son of Richard Vaughn and Myrtle L. Kufner Evans Sr. He married the love of his life Joyce Mincey on September 1, 1957 in Savannah, GA. He earned his Master's degree from the University of Illinois and began his career teaching freshman science at Taylorville High School. In 1963, after four years of teaching, Dick left to join his father at the R. V. Evans Company in Decatur, IL which eventually became a third generation family business after being joined there by his brother, son, and nephew. Under Dick's leadership, the small family business became a premier distributor of industrial packaging and fastening systems across the Midwest. Dick was very active in his community and in the business world. He was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Taylorville, IL where he sang in the choir and served as an Elder. In 1959, he became the official scorekeeper of the Taylorville High School Boys and Girls Basketball teams, a position he held for 53 years. In recognition for his service, he was inducted into both the Taylorville High School and Illinois Basketball Coaches Halls of Fame. He was a member of the Board of Directors for First National Bank in Taylorville, the Richland Community College Foundation, and the Lincoln Land Community College Advisory Board. Dick also was a charter member of the Taylorville Underwater Search and Recovery Team, making use of his diving skills. He was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, a social member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Taylorville, IL, and a member of the Decatur Civil War Roundtable. He loved antique cars, owning several Studebakers and Ford Thunderbirds. Dick's 1955 Thunderbird was shown nationally and earned a first-place award in its class in Dearborn, MI. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years: Joyce Evans of Taylorville, IL; son: Kelly (Tina) Evans of Mt. Zion, IL; Daughters: Amy (Stephen) Caron of Camas, WA; Jill (Wayne) Hodges of Guyton, GA; grandchildren: Drew (Katharine), Karli and Cole (Lisa) Evans; Nicholas (Melody) Caron; Megan and Evan (Julia) Riner; great-granddaughter: Daphne Caron; Brother: Tom (Deborah) Evans of Decatur, IL; Sister: Kathryn Jones of Fairfax, VA. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother in-law. A private service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association, Taylorville Tornados Sports Boosters, or a charity of your choice. McClure Funeral Home in Taylorville, IL and Gamble Funeral Service in Savannah, GA are assisting the family with arrangements. Please sign our online guest book at mcclurefuneralhome.com and/or www.gamblefuneralservice.com