Robert "Bob" Evans

Robert "Bob" Evans of Harrisburg, IL passed away on Tuesday Feb. 25, 2025.  He had many friends and never met a stranger.  He talked to everybody he met.

Born in Michigan, Bob and his family moved to Harrisburg when he was very young. In his youth, he loved the outdoors.  He was an avid fisherman and skilled hunter spending much of his youth hunting squirrels and quail.  Bob attended Harrisburg High School and SIU's trade school for welding.  He held many jobs, but Bob was mainly a coal miner by profession. At Amax Delta Mine, Bob was the chief operator of the world's largest running dragline.  There he earned the nickname "Big Blade."  He was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Carrier Mills, and also served his country in the US Army.  Bob loved working with his hands and helped his wife and daughter with their crafting business for years.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, Trecia Evans and Robert L. Evans, and his three sisters.  His wife of 64 years, Betsy Evans, passed just two days before him.   He is survived by children Jay Evans and Jann Leverett, grandchildren Brice Evans and wife Athena Evans, Braxton Leverett and wife Stacy Leverett, Bryli Depew and husband Dusty Depew, great-grandchildren Kynli and Kali Depew, Hadley McCormick, and Kaden Leverett, family dog, Sassy, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.


Funeral services will be held at Dorrisville Baptist Church in the old sanctuary in Harrisburg, IL.  The visitation will be on March 5th at Stricklin Funeral Home at 5-8pm with the funeral service March 6th at Dorrisville Baptist Church at 2pm.

He will have a joint service with Betsy Ann Evans.
Flowers are greatly appreciated and can be sent to Stricklin Funeral Home.

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