Judge Robert E. Evans Jr.
Robert E. Evans Jr., 88, peacefully entered into eternal life on March 17, 2021, surrounded by his loving family at their home in Richwood. His wife, Helen A. (Lyon) Evans, was by his side, as she has been faithfully since they were married on August 7, 1955. Last summer, the couple celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.
Known to most as “Bob” or “Judge Evans”, he was first and foremost a family man, with loyal service to his faith and profession. Born October 13, 1932, in Marion, Ohio to Robert and Hazel Evans. They, along with sister, June (Verl) Stevenson and brother Larry (Sue) Evans and a daughter-in-law, Pam Evans preceded him in death.
Bob graduated from Harding High School in 1950 and met his sweetheart Helen during their senior year. After high school, Bob was accepted into Ohio Northern University’s Pettit College of Law. Upon graduation and admission to the bar in 1955, the two were married and moved to Richwood, where Bob started practicing alongside Robert F. Allen, under the firm’s new name, Allen & Evans.
Bob quickly made a name for himself as the blonde-haired, blue-eyed young attorney in town who displayed a calm, straightforward demeanor with his clients. After just a few years of practicing law, he ran for judicial office.
On January 1, 1958, Bob became the youngest elected judge in the state of Ohio, when he won County Court Judge at the age of 25. He held the position for the next 24 years and also owns the distinction as the first Marysville Municipal Court Judge, where he served the people of Union County until 1982.
In 2008, Bob was honored by the Ohio Bar Association for 50 years of practicing law and serving the community. The law firm in Richwood later became Evans, Evans, and Hoffman L.L.P, with the additions of son Jeff Evans, nephew Scott Hoffman, and more recently grandson Ian Evans. The family practice has earned a strong reputation in Central Ohio for their trusted service and small-town values that Bob instilled decades ago.
His humble and mild temperament was a true reflection of his faith in God. A longtime member of Richwood Church of Christ, Bob also served as an elder for nearly 40 years and mentored many of the younger men in the church.
In addition, Bob gave his time to various community efforts, serving as Union County Foundation Chairman, and a member of the Richwood Library Board and Richwood Lions Club. He was also a distinguished member of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, Free and Accepted Masons, Mt. Carmel #303 for 65 years.
Through all of his commitments, Bob always made time for his family, attending countless school events and ball games. He especially enjoyed watching his grandchildren play sports at Delaware Christian, Dublin Jerome, and Hilliard Davidson, usually accompanied by an ice cream trip after the game. If you knew Bob, you know he had quite the sweet tooth, especially for candy bars, Frosty’s or any type of ice cream treat!
An avid sports fan, Bob also played in the Richwood Golf League and was a loyal supporter of the Ohio State Buckeyes and North Union Wildcats. He also enjoyed theatre, musicals, and gardening, especially his rose garden. In retirement, Bob and Helen spent many wonderful years at The Villages in Florida, where they enjoyed playing golf, going to concerts, and hosting friends and grandchildren.
The couple traveled the world in their 65 years of marriage, visiting England, Ireland, Scotland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Alaska, Hawaii, Petra, and the Holy Lands, to name a few.
Perhaps his greatest legacy is left by his three children: Jeff (Patti), Mark Evans, and Shelley (Tom) Powers; along with nine grandchildren: Carmen (Seth) Heller, Ian, Chase (Nicole), Nathan (Rachel), Heidi, Abby, Drake, Kourtney, and Kyleigh Powers; and five great-grandchildren: Ava, Asher, Olivia, Zoe, and Sophie.
The family would like to express special thanks to caretaker Shelly Greive-Fetter and Ohio Health Hospice.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, March 26, 2021 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Richwood Church of Christ (29063 Sivey Road). Services celebrating the life of Bob Evans will be held Saturday, March 27 at 11 a.m., also at Richwood Church of Christ, with the family greeting friends one hour prior to the funeral. Pastors James Ludwick and Craig Bradds will officiate and burial will follow the service at Claibourne Cemetery.
Memorial gifts may be donated to Richwood Church of Christ ministries.
The Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home in Richwood is assisting the family.
Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.stofcheck-ballinger.com.
Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home