Robert Leon Evans

Robert Leon Evans passed away peacefully on October 6, 2021, at his home in Vidor, Texas surrounded by those who loved him best.

     He was born in Keyser, West Virginia, on February 21, 1938, to Myrtle Lucille Whipp Evans and Elvin Morrell Evans.  In 1951 he moved with his parents to Gary, Indiana as part of the “steel city migration” of the 1950s.  He was a 1956 graduate of Calumet High School.  After graduation he married his high-school sweetheart, Mary Loveda Peas on June 21, 1956,  and started working for Mobil Oil of East Chicago, Indiana the following week.  In 1974 he was transferred to the Mobile Oil Refinery in Beaumont, Texas, where he remained until his retirement in 1995. 

     Surviving is his wife of 65 years, Mary Loveda Evans; one daughter, Cathy Handford, son-in-law, Dr. Robert Handford, daughter-in-law, Kathleen Holland, eight grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his daughter, Deborah Evans, and son Gregory Leon Evans.

     Leon was most proud of three things: his family, his career at Mobil Oil, and the house that he built in Indiana, when he was just 18 years old.  That house stands as solid today as it was in 1956.  Though he viewed his life as unremarkable, he was in his family’s eyes a man of exceptional dedication and tenacity.

     A private grave-side ceremony will follow.  In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make a donation to your local animal shelter in Leon’s name.

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