Rodger Wade Evans
Rodger moved to heaven on February 7, 2011. He was a gentle giant with a tender heart. Rodger’s forefathers had a saying that “some kindred spirits are just too gentle to live among wolves.” Rodger was just such a spirit. He was born to Kenny and Linda Evans on January 25th 1968 in Mesa, Arizona. The family moved to Yuma where Rodger attended grade school through high school. During this period he loved to ride in dad’s pickup and go to the ranch to drive tractors – the bigger, the better for him. By the 80’s he had graduated from three wheelers and sand buggies to a lifted, chromed out Chevy 4×4 truck with a beautiful engine built by his own two hands. Went fast too! Rodger was born with asthma and many nights, his parents spent all night holding and rocking him in front of a ventilator so he could breathe. In spite of his asthma, Rodger swam on the Yuma High School swim team, joined 4-H and ultimately FFA where he raised many calves to sell at the county fair. As a child, Rodger and his family had many fun fishing and hunting trips together. Rodger was an active Boy Scout and earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Rodger honorably served a mission for the LDS Church, in the Spain, Bilboa Mission. On October 17, 1992, Rodger married his high school sweetheart, Heather Upton. Rodger and Heather began dating during their Junior year in high school. We shared so many wonderful times together. Rodger was an amazing husband and father to his three children. He could build or fix anything from jewelry to cars. He was his son’s idol and was so lucky to have two Daddy’s little girls. Rodger kept his family safe and warm, but most importantly, happy. Because of his light hearted nature, there was so much laughter in our home. Rodger was loved by all who knew him because he was not afraid to share himself. He made many friends in the farming community throughout his career. Whether you were his neighbor, bank teller, the Circle K cashier, or on Farmville, you were Rodger’s friend. Rodger is survived by his wife of 18 years, Heather Evans. His three children Haley (15), Ryan (11), and Hilary (9). He is also survived by his parents, Kenny and Linda, his sisters, Julie and Cheryl and his brother Greg. Rodger was preceded in death by his youngest brother, Michael. He will be missed by his fabulous in-laws, nieces, and nephews. His extended family includes many uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends.
A public viewing will be held on Friday, February 11th from 6 – 8 p.m. at the LDS Church Building located at 920 S. Lindsay Rd., in Mesa. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 12th at 11 a.m. at the LDS Stake Center located at 1266 S. 32nd St., in Mesa.
Donations are being accepted on behalf of his children at any MidFirst Bank under the name of “The Rodger Evans Memorial Fund”, account number 2471016147. Funeral services are being handled by Bunker Family Funeral Home at 3529 E. University Drive, Mesa, 480-830-4105
unfair abuse of a young girl 