Joseph C. Evans
Joseph C. Evans - Leesburg, Florida passed away at the age of 92 on October 21, 2018. He was born May 28, 1926 in Fowlerville, MI, the son of Benjamin and Florence Evans. He married Leila (Teri) Kolean who was the mother of his three children, then later married Annie Austin whom he was able to share 32 years together until she passed in 2005. Joe is survived by his sister Viola Barns, his son David (Sandi) Evans of Howell, daughter Debra (Walter) Evans-Crosby of Laingsburg, and son Dennis (Sharon) Evans of Haslett. Also step-children Carolyn (Dick) DelAcqua of Cedar, Spencer (Susan) Austin of Mackinaw City and Margaret (Ed) Barlan of Kelava, Michigan.
Joe has 8 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren along with several step- grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother Benjamin, sisters Martha (Ed) Haller and Nina Hauser both of Fowlerville and step-daughter Francis (John) Makela.
Joe was a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy and enlisted during World War II (at 16) as radar gunner aboard the USS Boise (CL47). Everyone enjoyed his accounts of battles he took part in and stories where he was MIA for six weeks during the Battle of the Coral Sea. He became a rural mail carrier for the Fowlerville Post Office and thought it was the best job he ever had.
Joe enjoyed piloting his airplanes (he rebuilt a Bellanca Viking airplane), golfing, traveling, building large model airplanes, and giving flying lessons. He will be deeply missed by family and friends who admired and adored him.
A special thank you to Jean Carl who was both a friend and a caregiver. The family will receive family and friends at a later date to be determined.