Bill Evans, 88, of Green passed away peacefully on April 3, 2021 after an extended illness. Born March 17, 1933 to the late Henry and Selena Evans, he lived a full life surrounded by family and many good friends. After graduating from Greensburg High School in 1951, Bill went on to work for The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co., serving in several departments over his storied 46-year career. Among many other things, he was a tool and die maker and hydraulics specialist. He was also a proud graduate of Goodyear’s prestigious “B Squad” apprenticeship program and played a key role in obtaining several new patents for the company.
Bill was featured in a 1993 edition of Goodyear’s “Tech Tracks” publication for submitting an average of one idea per week, typically accompanied by a prototype model and drawings to explain how his ideas would work. Bill was quoted in the article saying, “innovation is the leading edge of our future, our jobs, and keeping Goodyear #1. There is a better way to do almost anything in any job.” Bill was an innovator to the core and always thinking of ways to improve things in the workplace and beyond.
Bill is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Faye Evans; children, William D. Evans, II and Jeffrey (Barbara) Evans; grandchildren, Lia (Caleb) Jones, Elana Evans, Carson Evans, and Conner Evans; great-granddaughter, Elle Jones; brother-in-law, Wesley Siegenthaler; sisters-in-law, Pearl Haefka and Gloria Brown and many nieces and nephews.
Bill was a man of few words, but somehow always had the right thing to say at the right time. His ornery sense of humor could light up a room, and he never missed an opportunity to tell his family how proud he was of them. Above all else, Bill was a family man. He played an active role in all that his sons did growing up, coaching their little league baseball teams and never missing a game as they got older. He continued that same tradition of support and encouragement for his grandchildren.
Bill was a high school athlete and avid sports fan. He enjoyed cheering on all the Cleveland sports teams, but was especially fond of the Cleveland Indians and Ohio State football. He had many hobbies, including woodwork, golf, fishing, model airplanes, building computers, dabbling in the stock market and tinkering with all types of gadgets and technology. Bill became known as “the gadget man,” and family often joked that he had more gadgets than the local hardware store! He was also a cheese connoisseur and lover of all pies.
Bill was in his 66th year as a Master Mason and member of the Clinton Lodge.
For many years, Bill enjoyed annual trips to Las Vegas with his boys and friends. Since 2014, Bill and Faye spent their winters in Bonita Springs, Florida where they developed many new friendships.
Bill passed on 4-3-21, a day as unique as him. He was truly a man of many talents and humble to the end. Even after sustaining months of decline, he never stopped smiling. Bill will always be remembered as one-of-a-kind, and those who knew him will forever affectionately say that “they broke the mold” with him.
The family would like to thank the medical staff at Cleveland Clinic Akron General for their compassion and care.
A private family service will take place with interment at East Liberty Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to AGMC Foundation, 1 Akron General Avenue, Akron, Ohio 44307 - give.ccf.org/akrongeneral or to Messiah Lutheran Church, 4700 S. Main Street, Akron, Ohio 44319 – messiahlutheran.cc/give. Please keep the Evans family in your thoughts during this difficult time by sharing a message or memory at www.schermesserfh.com.
SCHERMESSER
(330) 899-9107
www.schermesserfh.com
Memorial Gifts:
Akron General Foundation
1 Akron General Avenue, Akron OH 44307
Web: http://give.ccf.org/akrongeneral
Messiah Lutheran Church
4700 S. Main Street, Akron OH 44319
Web: http://messiahlutheran.cc/give
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