A resident of the Forest Grove community, died Sunday morning, at the Tuality Community Hospital in Hillsboro. Son of Horace and Elsie (Pinkert) Evans. At the age of two, he moved with his family to Southern California, where he was raised and received his education. Walter attended San Bernardino Community College and Fresno State University having majored in criminal justice. He served in the United States Navy from 1937 to 1940. Walter was united in marriage to Julia Albert on April 21, 1942 in Arizona. Follow their marriage they made their home in San Bernardino, Fresno and San Dimas, CA until 1959 when they moved to Oregon, making their home in the communities of Tigard, Beaverton and Aloha. In 1978 they moved to their acreage in Scoggins Valley, west of Gaston, where he raised livestock. Walter and Julia celebrated their 62nd Wedding Anniversary this past April. He worked for the United States Government for thirty-seven years. He retired in December of 1978 as the Chief U.S. Probation Officer for the District of Oregon. Walter was a member of the Elks Lodge and Rotary Club in Beaverton. He was also a member of the Toastmasters in Fresno and the Amateur Radio Relay League. Among his interests, Walter was an avid ham amateur radio operator and participant. Walter's call sign was K7NSA. He was an active member of the Oregon State Emergency Management Services. Walter was also a past member of the Oregon Peace Officers Standards and Training Board. He was an avid gardener and enjoyed rock hounding. He also enjoyed caring for his dogs, Tonnie and Asia. Walter loved Fig Newtons. He was preceded in death by his parents, Horace and Elsie Evans; and a brother, Claude Evans. Survivors include his wife, Julia Evans, of Forest Grove; three sons and daughters-in-law, Ronald D. and Barbara Evans of Boise, Idaho; Steven A. and Diane Evans of Hillsboro, Oregon; and Gregory D. Evans of Scoggins Valley, Oregon; a brother, Roy Evans of Victorville, California; and a sister and brother-in-law, Hazel and Murray Melvin of San Bernardino, California. Also surviving are five grandchildren and their spouses, Ronald S. and Jennifer Evans of Vancouver, Washington; Julie A. and Bill Finke of Boise, Idaho; Christopher S. Evans of Boise, Idaho; Jerry A. and Gloria Evans of Winchester, California; and Mark D. and Jessica Evans of Gaston, Oregon; eight great-grandchildren, Stephanie Evans, Amber Evans, Jack Evans, Osmund Evans, Charlie Evans, Chloe Evans, Gerald Evans, Jr.; and Lily Evans; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family suggests that remembrances may be contribution to the March of Dimes, 1220 SW Morrison, Portland, Oregon 97205, in his memory. Fuiten, Rose & Hoyt Funeral Home in Forest Grove is in charge of the arrangements. 503-357-2161. Viewing (Visitation) Hours: Thursday, 11/18, 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM at the funeral home.
Published in The Oregonian on 11/19/2004.