William Donald Evans
June 26, 1944 – March 1, 2022

Don Evans, 77, of Malad, ID took his final earthly journey, this time leaving his pack at home. He was welcomed home by his best hiking buddy, Tank, his Father in Heaven, and many eagerly awaiting family members, on March 1, 2022. Don spent his final days surrounded by those he cherished, his best friend of 54 years always by his side.

William “Dairy Don” Evans was born June 26, 1944 in Malad, ID to Mabel Elvira Jensen and Raymond Jones Evans. Don was the youngest of 6 children. His early life was spent working on the family farm, participating in scouts and exploring the hills that surrounded him. Don took any opportunity to camp out and sometimes even invite a scout leader and turn it into a scout trip. He excelled in scouting from an early age and at age 13, would earn his Eagle. It seems only natural that camping/hiking and scouting would be activities he would carry on throughout his life.

During Don’s years in high school, he was very active in FFA, band and seminary. Don graduated MHS in 1962. From there, he attended Utah State University until taking a break to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He served the Southwest Indian mission as a zone leader where he developed a deep appreciation for the native heritage. Don returned home and returned to school, transferring to Idaho State University after a year. He studied agriculture/forestry and business and was enrolled in the ROTC during his time away at school. While attending ISU, Don met his future wife.The couple hit it off and began dating. A short time later, Don was drafted to the Army where he was sent to Fort Ord. As a Private, he was classified as “Sharpshooter”. He was there just a short time before being sent home following an injury that left his father unable to manage the family home and farm. Don returned to the farm his great-grandfather had homesteaded. After about a month, Don started the process of purchasing the farm from his father and that was where he spent the rest of his life. He also started the process of starting his family and his legacy.

In June 1970, Don married Christine Croshaw in the Logan LDS temple. The two spent a week on a camping trip and upon their return, Don headed out for a week long scouting trip at Red Fish lake, a spot that would always be on his “favorites” list. Don spent his life involved in scouting and camping. You will find men in every generation younger than Don throughout the valley who have very fond memories of these activities with him. Nearly all of Don’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren have been able to experience multiple trips to the outdoors with him. Memories they will all hold close to them, experiences that are invaluable. A highlight for him was a 4 generation backpacking trip in 2020. It was also a heartbreaking trip as it would be the last backpacking trip he would make.

Nearly 10 years ago, Don received a diagnosis that would change his life. Cancer would be a battle for him. However, he didn’t let it pull him down. He didn’t dwell on it. As he was doing better, Chris was diagnosed with her own cancer. It was his turn to stand by her, to worry incessantly. His worry for her never ceased, even as his cancer progressed and took its toll. Don’s focus was on spending quality time with his family and friends, and in serving the Lord. He did both of these things in countless ways throughout the rest of his days.

Don is survived by Chris, his wife and best friend of 51 years and their 4 children; Melissa (Glen) Fuhriman of Santaquin, UT, Jennifer (Jacob) Martinez of Clinton, UT, Elizabeth (Andrew) Baldwin of Blackfoot, ID, and Andrew (Christine) Evans of Wellington, CO; 14 grandchildren (4 spouses) and 7 great-grandchildren; a sister Nedra Preece and a brother Raymond Evans.

Don was preceded in death by his parents and 2 sisters; Wilma Fridal and Marcia Daugherty and 1 brother, Robert Evans.

Don was our compass. We will miss him terribly until we can be together again.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 9, 2022 at 12 noon in the Malad LDS 7th Ward Chapel. Viewings will be at the Horsley Funeral Home, Tuesday from 7-8 pm and Wednesday from 10:30-11:30 a.m. prior to the service.