Gene Richard Evans Sr.

Gene Richard Evans Sr., of Lilburn, Georgia passed away on March 26, 2017.

Gene was born August 9, 1928 in Shawano, Wisconsin to the late Roy R. Evans and the late Dulice A. Evans.  The family later moved to Green Bay, where Gene graduated from Green Bay West High School in 1946. He received his Bachelors degree from University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wisconsin in 1951. He served his country in the US Army during the Korean conflict.

Gene married Florence L. Sinkula on June 9, 1951.

Gene is survived by his wife Florence of 65 years and his sister Gloria Larson of Milwaukee.  Gene and Florence have 5 children, Kristine Bone (Randy) of Monroe, GA; Lisa Kurth (Mark) of Green Bay, WI; Gene Evans, Jr. (Marianne) of Ellijay, GA; Merrie Roller (Greg) of Union, KY; and Tom Evans (Claire) of Lilburn, GA; 11 grand children and 5 great grand children.

As an athlete, Gene lettered at Green Bay West High School in football, basketball and track.  At the University of Wisconsin, he made his freshman debut in 1946 football for the Badgers, by intercepting three passes in a 34 – 0 rout over Marquette University. He concluded his career in football, with 2 punt returns, one for 54 yards and one for 62 yards for a touchdown.  He lettered in baseball for three years for the Badgers as a second baseman.  He was captain and MVP for the Badgers that played in the college World Series in 1950.

In 1951, Gene was drafted in the 21^st round by the Green Bay Packers, however opted to sign a minor-league baseball contract with the Chicago White Sox, becoming the first Green Bay native in professional baseball.

Gene was employed with Standard Oil/Amoco Oil as an auditor for 35 years, before retiring in 1988.

Gene was an avid sports fan. He loved his Packers, Badgers, and Braves. He enjoyed playing bridge and reading.  Gene was a devoted husband, great father and grandfather.

A service will be held Friday March 31^st, at 6 pm at Wages Funeral Home in Snellville, GA (770-979-3200, www.wagesfuneralhome.com).  Family will receive friends at 5 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society of your choice.