Obituary of Rowland Robert Evans
Rowland Robert Evans, 85, of Lexington, Kentucky, formerly of Irwin, Pennsylvania died Thursday morning, on November 3, 2022 at Thomson Hood Veterans Center in Wilmore, Kentucky. He was born on November 11, 1936 in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, to the late James Rowland and Helen Ann (Buenting) Evans. He was married for 53 years to his devoted wife, Patricia Jean (Rayman) Evans. She preceded him in death in 2012. His brother, John Richard Evans and his granddaughter, Julie Marie Bond also preceded him in death.
Known to most as Rolly, he served in the US Army. He was a retired senior manufacturing engineer with the Westinghouse Air Brake Company with 40 years service. He was a member of the Lutheran Church in both Pennsylvania and Kentucky. He was a past Grand Tall Cedar of Westmoreland Forest #77. After he retired, he enjoyed traveling with his wife to Hawaii, Key West, Toronto, New England, and to visit family across the country. They loved attending Broadway musicals - Phantom of the Opera was his favorite. He also worked part time at P & J Motors. In addition, he was a regular volunteer at the Salvation Army food pantry, and enjoyed building and flying airplanes with the Gateway RC club at Boyce Park. An avid collector, he amassed quite an array of matchbooks, postage stamps, and Hallmark Christmas ornaments. He was a big fan of being on time, organized, all things vehicular (planes, trains, and automobiles), sports (Pittsburgh Steelers, Pirates, Penguins, UK Wildcats, and the Pitt Panthers), going to the movies, and especially enjoying a Manhattan cocktail on the porch with his dear wife Patsy.
After his wife’s passing, he moved to Lexington, Kentucky. In Lexington, he continued his lifelong commitment to volunteerism by volunteering with Meals on Wheels into his eighties. He was a loving and caring son, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend.
He is survived by two daughters: Beth E. Anderson of Augusta, Georgia, Jill (Martin) Shearer of Lexington, Kentucky; grandchildren Kate (Ryan) Schwartz of Bethel Springs, Tennessee, Donnie Bond of Augusta, Georgia, Samantha Jean Shearer and Evan John Shearer, both of Lexington, Kentucky; and seven great grandchildren. In addition, he is survived by his brother, William James Evans of Tehachapi, California as well as dear sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and friends.
A memorial service in Pennsylvania will be scheduled in the late spring 2023. In lieu of flowers, any contributions can be made to Thomson Hood Veterans Center, 100 Veterans Drive, Wilmore, KY 40390.