Joseph H. Evans

The world lost a gentle soul with a big heart, a mischievous smile, and absolute love for his wife and family. Joseph Henry Evans (Joe) left this world on January 1, 2020 upon entering his 80th year.

Born to Jim and Ella (Swift) Evans on March 9, 1940. After high school, Joe left Farmington, IL on his way to the United States Marine Corp. He shared that the Marines made him the man, husband, father, grandfather, and friend he was. He proudly served as a USMC Corporal E4 Company Clerk, 1958-1961, and was a member of the American Legion Post 140 in Farmington, IL.

Joe married Connie Bigliazzi on April 20, 1963. Being a husband and life partner with Connie and Dad to Erin (Mark) Evans Meyer, Cass (Gary) Evans Christensen, and Clark (Christine) Evans was the most important part of his life. He taught the values of trust, honesty, love, hard work, community, and to have fun along the way to his kids who have carried those values onto their children.

He loved his work as a lineman at CILCO, retiring in January 1997 after 30 years of service. Giving back to his community was near and dear to his heart. Joe was an active member of the Farmington Fire Rescue Squad serving as a Charter EMT (1967-1993). He provided holiday cheer to parents and children every Christmas Eve for 26 years as Santa Claus and shared his beautiful singing voice in the St. Matthews Catholic Church choir as well as Peoria Civic Chorale. He spent countless hours coaching his children in their sporting endeavors and enjoyed watching his grandchildren in their various activities and athletics.

Joe is survived by his wife, children, and eight grandchildren: Emily and Maggie Meyer, Joe (Allie) and Sam Christensen, and Colton, Colby, Ethan, and Emma Evans. Siblings include Carol (Bob) Danz, Jim (Pat) Evans, Linda (Rocky) Morgan, Tom (Peg) Evans, Bob Evans (deceased); and several nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held from 6-8 PM on Friday, January 3, 2020 at Anderson-Sedgwick Funeral Home in Farmington, IL. Recitation of the Rosary will be held at 8 PM. Funeral mass will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, January 4, 2020 at St. Matthews Catholic Church in Farmington where a visitation will be held from 9:30 AM to time of service. Father Daniel Ebker will officiate. Cremation rites will be accorded with Anderson-Sedgwick Funeral Home in Farmington, IL. Burial will be held at a later date.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Gary MackVicar and his team at the Illinois Cancer Care and Unity Point Methodist nurses, Sara, Kelly, and Kayla.

Joe would like to share his love for the community with memorials made to Camp Big Sky, Farmington Rescue Squad 1100, Farmington Academic Foundation, or The Greater Peoria Honor Flight in his memory.