Henry Milton Evans' Obituary
Henry Milton Evans, age 92, of Garfield Heights, Ohio, passed away peacefully on March 19, 2019 at his home. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Henry met the love of his life, Opal Evans (nee Franklin) when she came to Cleveland from Knoxville, TN to attend Medical Technology School. Henry was on leave from the Army at the time. They were married in 1947, had 5 children and recently celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary.
Henry worked on ConRail (New York Central Railroad) for 37 years, he was the Legislative Representative for the United Transportation Union, for the state of Ohio, specializing in safety and was part of the driving force to ensure the train crews were provided clean, potable water (a first), he was a treasurer of the UTU local 1638 and after retirement supported his Granddaughter’s figure skating, becoming the Board President of Winterhurst Figure Skating Club. He raised his 5 children, 4 dogs and helped raise two of his grandchildren and one great grandchild. He was forever young, bought his last car at 89, loved to travel, the Kentucky Derby, his vegetable garden, and martini’s. He became a real foodie, knew every new restaurant opening in Cleveland, and Johnny’s Bar and L’Albatros were his favorite local restaurants. On his first trip to Paris, he stated, “What these people can do with eggs is unbelievable.” Henry never met an upset baby that he couldn’t calm or a dog that he could not train. He is beloved by family and friends.
Henry was extremely proud of his children- Son: Dale Michael Evans (predeceased on April 26, 2011; Daughters: Sherry Louise Ball (nee Evans) (Carl Ball), Vanessa Jeanne Evans (Harold Zion), Karen Marie Evans Kendrick (nee Evans), and Son: Charles Melvin Evans (Kathy Evans). He is survived by his sisters Caroline Santorelli, Mary Lou Evans and brother David Evans; his 7 grandchildren: Jason Evans, Ben Evans, Diana Holden, Alicia Gorman, Christopher Ball, Reagan Leatherman and Chelsey Evans and 10 great grandchildren, Mia Gorman, Clhoe Gorman, Jacob Ball, Thomas Holden, Irene Holden, Charlotte Holden, and Abigail Smith.
A viewing will be held on Friday, March 22, 2019 from 4PM – 8PM at the Sunset Chapel, 6245 Columbia Rd., North Olmsted, OH 44070 where funeral service will commence on Saturday, March 23, at 3PM. Burial immediately following in Sunset Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Cleveland Clinic c/o Miller Heart and Vascular Institute, P.O. Box 931517, Cleveland, OH 44195 or Cleveland Animal Protective League, 1729, Willey Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113. www.dostalbokas.com
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