Our beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather and friend, passed through the veil to continue on with his spiritual journey, this past Monday, May 31 at 12:16 am, just a few hours shy of his 80th birthday.  Born on June 1, 1941 to Myrthus and Mae (Kohler) Evans on the Navajo Reservation, in the little town of Tuba City, AZ, Robert was easy to recognize as he was the only little biagáana (white) baby among the native american babies born that day in the Nursery.  Some have said that it was because he was born there, that the Dine' culture was imbedded in his blood. Yá'át'ėėh (Hello) was heard often from Robert's lips and his love for the beautiful southwest desert has made its mark in everything Robert has done.

Robert was the middle child of five.  Kathleen, who had died when she was only a few hours old, and Gary were older than he, and Dean and John were younger. Growing up, Robert lived in several locations.  Starting with Tuba City, AZ, then Salem OR, to Riverside CA.  Here Robert spent his high school years and was known to be full of shenanigans and adventures.  When He was 18 years old, Robert enlisted in the military.  He signed up for the United States Marine Corps Force Reconnaissance and when he was 19, he served as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he spent two years in the North Eastern States, New York Mission.

After returning from his mission, and while continuing his military service, he drove to Provo, Utah in hopes of starting BYU night classes. While there, he was set up on a blind date where he met and fell in love with his eternal Sweetheart, Sydnee Bailey.  Nine months later they were married and sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake City Temple on November 25, 1963.

Robert and Sydnee were blessed with four beautiful children:  Robert Allen, Kathleen, Jason Myrthus and Jared Jason.  Robert's favorite occupation was being the proud owner of the Circle E&D Cattle Ranch in Hagerman, Idaho. Years later, after moving back to Utah, Robert and Sydnee became the proud Master Franchise Owners of Jani-King of Utah.  He truly enjoyed all of his Jani-King family.

No matter where they lived, Robert and Sydnee always attended and were very active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  Robert served in many positions in the church which brought him much joy due to the close friendships he gained along the way.  He served with Sydnee as MM and Gleaners Advisors, Sunday School Teacher, counselor in 4 Bishoprics, Young Men Advisor, Primary Teacher,  Elders Quorum President,  Bishop, Stake Executive Secretary, Stake President and Temple Ordinance Worker.  He was a Home Teacher and Minister, not just to those assigned, but to all.  It is believed that one of his favorite church assignments was to be the Priesthood Holder Adviser that went to Girl's Camp.  The youth were his favorite assignment and you could find him often with a briefcase full of candy, surrounded by a bunch of youth.  His influence was felt for good by hundreds of youth who were impacted by love and goodness everywhere he lived.

Robert found such satisfaction in his relationships with people.  From childhood friends to friends he met in the past few years in Africa.  He was a friend to many and charitable to all.  His light and goodness reflected in his smile and in his eyes.  His warm handshake and hug were often given to people in the workplace and were a greeting to those at church.  While his family may have been what brought him his greatest joy, it was his wife that he loved the most.  Robert and Sydnee were always together in any adventure that life brought them.  He treated her like the queen that she is.  Even up until his last minutes, her welfare was utmost on his mind.

Robert was preceded in death by his sister Kathleen.  His younger brother Dean passed away when Robert was 29.  Robert and Sydnee's son Jason died when he was only three years old.  A granddaughter, Cheyenne passed away in 1997 when she was just a few days old.  Robert was able to share a long life with his parents, Myrthus and Mae, and he had many memories of them.  They both passed away in 2001 and 2002.  His brother Gary, who died in 2017. He was also preceded in death by his in-laws Gayle R. and Athalie J. Bailey, as well as a brother-in-law, Dan Vance.  Robert knew with strong conviction that these people were waiting for him when the time came and he had no qualms with testifying of the great plan of happiness.

Robert is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sydnee; his son R. Allen (Emily Boyer) of Bountiful, Utah and their ten children:  Drake Evans (Thania Charmani) of New York City, New York; Steve Bennion of Washington D.C.; Sara Jane Bennion (Jack Aubrey) of Herriman, Utah; Sarajane Evans (Joe Rotella) of Ft. Meyers, Florida; Sam Bennion, Sawyer Evans, Will Bennion (Missionary in the North Carolina Raleigh Mission), Lucy Evans, Josh Bennion and Lillie Bennion, all of Bountiful, Utah; and 1 great-granddaughter, Bettie Rebekah Aubrey, of Herriman, Utah;  his daughter, Kathleen (Phillip Jablonski) of Queen Creek, Arizona and their six children; Dylan Pratt, of Queen Creek, Arizona; Nicholas Jablonski (Shae Williams) of Mesa, Arizona; Sierra Pratt of Orem, Utah; Jackson Jablonski of Waco, Texas, Kohler Pratt of Queen Creek, Arizona and Alex Jablonski of Mesa, Arizona;  his son Jared J (Brittany Burnett) of Woods Cross, Utah and their two daughters, Maizie and Parker.  Robert and Sydnee have a great legacy with 23 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

Robert is also survived by his brother John F. Evans (Glenna Haynes) of Mesa, Arizona and Sister-in-law, Marena (Grigsby) Evans of Visalia, California; a sister-in-law Julie (Bailey) Vance of Glendale, Arizona, with many nieces and nephews who all adored their Uncle Robert (Bob).

Pancreatic Cancer stole many years upon this earth from Robert and his family.  We thank the many wonderful doctors and nurses of Intermountain Healthcare Hospital, Cancer Centers and Hospice Care for the tender care they have provided for our husband/dad/grandpa.  While we are weighed heavily upon by thoughts of his absence from our lives, we know that his spirit is not gone from us.  It feels as though he is just in the next room. His testimony of God and Jesus Christ and the truthfulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is unshakeable and will be felt for generations to come.  His influence continues to surround us and we are so thankful that families are forever.

Funeral services are Saturday, June 5th at the same location, starting with a viewing at 9:30 am with services beginning at 11:00 am.   Internment will be in the Malad, Idaho, City Cemetery at 3:30 pm.  Funeral Arrangements made by Horsley Funeral Homes, Malad, ID (208) 766-4330.  For flowers:  The Flower Patch Tel: 801-298-8421 or https://www.flowerpatchbountiful.com/