Donald Lee EVANS Obituary (2024)

It is with joy and gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of Donald Lee Evans, age 88, who left us on December 4, 2024. Born in Phoenix, Arizona, on January 6, 1936, to Harold and Rena Evans, Donald lived a life full of love, faith, and adventure. Donald proudly served in the United States Air Force, enlisting on September 15, 1954, and serving as a Dental Specialist until his honorable discharge on September 14, 1958. He went on to become a skilled Dental Technician, working in Los Angeles before moving to Yakima, Washington, with his beloved wife, Ardis, and their three children in the early 1970s. Together, they founded Evans Dental Lab, where Donald worked with dedication until his well-earned retirement. Donald married the love of his life, Ardis Jean Mueller, on December 27, 1959, in Bakersfield, California. Their 49 years together were filled with shared dreams, adventures, and a deep commitment to each other and their family. Donald is survived by his three children: Daughter, Janice Evans, and her children: Nicholas Heilman (wife Brittany), and great-granddaughters Kelley and Savannah. Granddaughter, Stephanie Appleby (husband Jonathan), and great-grandson Linkoln. Son, Jeffrey Evans. Daughter, Judy White (husband Jeff White), and their children: Imani Brown, Braxton Brown, Jose Brown, Marcus Cook, Malaciah Cook, Mary Torres (children Connor and Senae), Cassandra Watterson (husband Jimmy, children Stran and Carter), Chantel Swallow (husband Cody, children Foster and Reece Swallow), Bethany Davey (husband Andrew, children Brynn, Cameron, and Cohen). Donald was a man of many passions. He enjoyed boating, camping, crabbing, golfing, hunting, and painting. He was also an avid traveler and had a love for casinos. His sense of humor and zest for life were contagious, and one of his favorite quotes was, "He who dies with the most toys wins." Donald and Ardis also devoted over 15 years to volunteering as gate guards for the West Valley High School football program. They were always there with a warm cup of coffee for anyone willing to stand with them at the gate, making their time volunteering a true reflection of their caring and generous spirits. Donald was also a proud supporter of his grandchildren. He loved watching Imani and Braxton play basketball for A.C. Davis High School, and he proudly wore a Pirates T-shirt to most of their home games, always cheering them on with enthusiasm and pride. Nick Heilman, the first grandson of Don, shared one of his best memories of his grandfather: the times he got to drive the golf cart while Don golfed at the Elks. Donald was especially thrilled to meet his first great-grandchild, Linkoln. He was one of the first people to hold him, and the joy he felt in that moment was immeasurable. After the passing of his wife Ardis, Donald was blessed to have a very special person in his life, Violet Dennis. For many years, Donald and Violet spent much of their time together, sharing in life's simple joys. They went to church, walked the mall, and enjoyed playing poker together. The bond they shared brought Donald great happiness in his later years. While Donald's faith in God developed later in life, it became an important part of his journey in his final years, providing him with peace and strength. He was a loving family man, and his devotion to his family remained a central part of his life. He will be deeply missed by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. Donald is preceded in death by his beloved wife Ardis, and is survived by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his dear companion Violet Dennis. A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, December 13, 2024 at 11:00am at Brookside Funeral Home (500 W. Prospect, Moxee, WA 98936), followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a charity of your choice in honor of Donald's memory.