Richard Lewis Evans' Obituary
Richard Lewis Evans, 87, of Katy, Texas, passed away peacefully on August 5, 2025, with his family by his side. Born in Santa Fe, New Mexico, to Arvell and Clara Evans, Richard lived a life full of love, laughter, and adventure.
The middle of seven children, Richard spent much of his youth traveling and living across New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, and Oregon. He developed a deep love for golfing and Westerns—both in books and films—and especially cherished watching Westerns with his father. His sister Beth fondly recalls that Richard reminded her of John Wayne.
Richard met the love of his life, Vicki Donoho, while they were both working in Odessa, Texas. They married on November 17, 1967, and together built a beautiful life, raising two sons, Tom and Eric. Their journey led them through many cherished years and friendships in Dallas, San Antonio, and Pleasanton.
Some of the family's favorite memories include the many Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays spent with his sister Beth and her family—times filled with warmth, laughter, and tradition.
A natural-born salesman with charm and drive, Richard enjoyed a successful career, eventually becoming an executive at West Point Pepperell. From a young age, he worked hard to support his family.
He and Vicki were instrumental in helping soccer become sanctioned in the San Antonio area, and Richard enjoyed coaching Tom and Eric.
Later in life, Richard embraced his love of travel by RVing with his faithful dog, Blue. He spent time in Trinity, Texas with close friends; visited his cousin Anita in New Mexico; his sister Bonnie and brother-in-law Pat in Boise, Idaho; and his brother Oral “Tom” Evans in Florida. In 2016, he settled in Katy, Texas, becoming a founding resident of the Oak Park Retirement Living Community.
At Oak Park, Richard lived vibrantly—earning the unofficial titles of “mayor,” “funny money millionaire,” and “Devon’s right-hand man.” He was a proud member of the ROMEOs (Retired Old Men Eating Out), loved calling Bingo, was the captain of the Bean Bag Baseball team and enjoyed playing bridge, poker, Mexican Train, and cribbage. Friday Happy Hours were a favorite, especially singing along to the piano with his dear friend Lois. He also spent over 50 years playing cards with his lifelong friend Diane—a friendship filled with laughter, competition, and comradery across the decades.
Above all, Richard’s greatest joy was his family, especially time spent with his grandchildren—Linden, Tyler, and Sarah—who brought light and pride into his later years.
Preceded in Death By:
• Parents: Arvell and Clara Evans
• Wife: Vicki Evans
• Sister: Nelda Ford
• Brothers: Arvell “Max” Evans and Oral Dean “Tom” Evans (wife Ann)
• Sister-in-law and brother-in-law: Linda and Harvey Grasty
• Lifelong friends: Jane and Charles Edwards
Survived By:
Sons and Grandchildren:
• Richard "Tom" Evans (wife Tiffany) and daughter Linden
• Eric Evans (wife Patty) and children Tyler and Sarah
Siblings:
• Bonnie Jean “Bonnie” House (husband Pat)
• Willa Beth “Beth” Moore (husband Eric)
• John Evans (wife Kay)
• Bertha Evans, sister-in-law (wife of the late Max Evans)
Nieces and Nephews:
• Brian House, Chris House, Steven House, Phil House (wife Kelly)
• Terese Hamilton (husband Clarke) and sons Colton, Austin, and Logan (wife Izabel)
• Allison Stiles (husband Scott) and children Jacob, Jackson (wife Brooke), Eli (wife Regan), and Julia
• Chris (wife Char) Grasty, Heather Grasty-Stoffer
• Emily Edwards-Dennison
• Mitzi Evans-Gienapp (husband Rodney)
• Leslee Williams (husband David) and Sunny Evans
• Debbie Evans, Linda Evans, Tammy Evans, Dickie Evans, Scottie Evans
He also leaves behind many beloved cousins, great nieces and nephews, extended family, lifelong friends, and the entire Oak Park family, who brought joy to his final chapter.
Celebration of Life:
A happy hour celebration of life in honor of Richard—held where he spent some of his happiest hours—will take place at Oak Park Retirement Living Community in Katy, Texas, on Friday, October 3, for Oak Park family and friends.
A Graveside service is to take place In Honor of both Richard Lewis Evans and Vicki Donoho Evans on Saturday, November 15th, 2025, at 12pm at Restland cemetery 13005 Greenville Ave Dallas TX 75243.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Southstone Church, Katy Texas via a Memorial Donation link:
https://southstonechurch.churchcenter.com/giving/to/memorial-gift
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