Jerry Leland Evans

Jerry Leland Evans, 83, passed away at home in Kaysville, UT February 26, 2024, after fighting valiantly against cancer, heart disease, and time. He will be missed by many loved ones, both friends and family.

He was born October 18, 1940, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Floyd Leland Evans and Mary Monvilla Bradshaw. Jerry became the middle child between his brother Blaine (Judy) Evans and his sister Karen (Richard) Hunt. The family lived in various locations as he grew up, including Salt Lake City, UT, Nampa, ID, and finally settled in Bountiful, UT.

He graduated from Bountiful High School in 1959, lettering in wrestling and speech.

He earned his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Utah, and a Master’s Degree from Utah State University in education, and continued his education with computer science classes from Weber State University.

He began his teaching career at Green River High School in Green River, Utah. From there he moved on to Clearfield High School, Northridge High School, he also became an adjunct professor for Weber State University, University of Utah, Utah State University, and the University of Phoenix. Prior to retirement he worked as a Mathematics Specialist for The State Office of Education in Utah. Jerry was a lifelong learner and enjoyed sharing his knowledge with others. He found great joy in his profession.

He actively participated in many educational organizations, including UCTM – as leadership and educating teachers in workshops throughout the state, NEA, NCTM – teaching workshops, serving on regional committees and as Chairman and Co-chairman of many regional and national conferences throughout his career. His work gave him many opportunities to travel the country teaching and enjoying the company of other educators.

He married Judith Hampshire in 1963 and together they had two children: Scot (Heidi) Evans, and Kristin (Scott) Christensen. They later divorced. Though apart they maintained a friendly relationship, blending their children’s lives together and raising them all with love.

Jerry married Lorraine Page, whom he had known since she was a little girl growing up just around the corner from the Evans’ in Bountiful, and she became his eternal companion. They were sealed in the Salt Lake LDS Temple on December 27, 1974. They welcomed four more children to Jerry’s legacy; Jared (Julaine), John (Elizabeth), Rachel (Devin) Razee, and Lariann (Scott & Ariane) Bredthauer.

He has been blessed with 18 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren with one on the way.

As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, his love of the Lord and his family were top priority. He had an unwavering testimony of Jesus Christ, finding joy in every calling and service project.

He honorably served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints to the California Mission where he gained lifelong friends.

Jerry has had many opportunities to serve within the church from his time as a missionary, to a Sunday school teacher, to a member of the bishopric, to the high council, and as a seventy. His example as a stalwart son of our Heavenly Father, a loving husband, father, grandfather, good friend, and just a generally good man will be propagated through those who knew and loved him.

Jerry loved sports. He was a faithful fan of University of Utah “Utes” Football, Chicago Blackhawks Hockey, and the St. Louis Cardinals Baseball. When visiting his home there was always a game on, and if there wasn’t all you had to do was ask “Is there a game on?” and he would change the channel to find a game (any game) to find out.

He spent a lot of time outdoors, always wanting to go fishing, shooting, or camping. He was an active sportsman who loved hiking, fishing, fly fishing, skiing, and golf. He participated in marathons and half marathons. He loved playing games, jokes, magic tricks, paper folding, puzzles, American history, and war strategies. He was always up for travel and new adventures, to experience food and cultures. He enjoyed good books and good music. A few of his favorite movies were: We’re No Angels, Blazing Saddles, Secondhand Lions, and It’s a Wonderful Life.

He was an open and loving man who loved a good laugh, homemade ice cream, fireworks, cheating at card games, watching football, and regaling us all with stories of his life. As a young man he worked at the ice plant in Sugarhouse cutting and moving blocks of ice, and in construction as he worked his way through college. He enjoyed chukar hunting in Green River, and hustling pool tables for petty cash.

While he may have stepped away from those of us still here on earth he has returned to his Heavenly Father and family who had gone on before. He was preceded in death by his parents Floyd and Monvilla Evans, his sister-in-law Judy Evans, and his youngest daughter Lariann Bredthauer.

“Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming ‘Wow – what a ride!’”  - Peter Sage

A viewing will be held Friday evening from 6 – 8 pm at Russon Brothers Mortuary Farmington, 1941 N Main Street, Farmington, UT 84025.

Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 331 S 50 W, Kaysville, UT 84037. With a viewing opportunity prior to services from 9:45 – 10:45 am. The services will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary Live Facebook page and will appear on this obituary page 10-15 minutes prior to the service at 11 am. 

In leu of flowers the family is requesting donations to your favorite charity.