Richard "Dick" J. Evans

Richard J. Evans 

December 20, 1940 – May 8, 2025 

A glimpse into his life of “too much to do – not enough time”

Richard J. Evans, 84, of Sioux City, passed away peacefully on May 8, 2025.

Richard was born on December 20, 1940, in Randolph, Nebraska, to Robert and Silvia (Milander) Evans. In 1948, his family moved from the farm to Sioux City, where he grew up and attended Franklin Elementary, Woodrow Wilson Junior High, and Central High School, graduating in January 1959.

Shortly after graduation, Richard became a father to his first son, Randall. He started out working for Robb Ross Company, then did carpentry before joining his dad as a mechanic. On April 30, 1963, Richard married Judy Delfs, and together they raised two sons, Kevin and Kyle.

In the spring of 1976, Richard accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and joined Sioux City Baptist Church. Over the years, he served in different roles, built lasting friendships, and found strength and purpose in his faith. It shaped the way he lived — how he treated people, made decisions, and showed up for others.

Richard worked for several local auto shops — Sears Automotive, Kidder-Knoepfler, Saunders Pontiac, and Tagatz Pontiac — before opening Evans Auto Repair in 1979. He ran the shop with pride until retiring in 1995. He was also involved in real estate, owning and managing rental houses across Sioux City from 1963 until the present. Richard did much of the maintenance and repairs himself, bringing the same hands-on pride and work ethic he was known for in the shop.

Cars were more than a career for Richard — they were a lifelong passion. He rebuilt, modified, and showed countless vehicles over the years. Whether heading to a car show, a race, or just out for a drive, he was happiest behind the wheel. He also loved riding motorcycles — especially his Harley — and cherished the freedom of the open road. He was a proud member of the Strollers Car Club of Sioux City, a lifetime NRA member, a devoted Nebraska Cornhuskers fan, and he loved traveling across the country to attend races and connect with fellow car enthusiasts.

To his grandchildren and many others, he was simply known as “Gramps.” He had a deep love for his family and was always there to support his grandkids in whatever they were involved in. Whether it was soccer, basketball, baseball, color guard, show choir, orchestra, ballet, or Taekwondo — Gramps showed up with a smile, a hug, and made sure his grandkids knew just how proud he was. He was also the go-to for babysitting and grandkid rides — always ready to help out, no matter what was asked.

Richard was known for his friendly nature and easygoing spirit. He had a way of making people feel welcome and valued, and he never missed a chance to lend a helping hand.

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Judy; sons Randall Evans, Kevin Evans, and Kyle (Juanita) Evans; grandchildren Breezy (Kyle) Parkhill, Lindsey (Jordan) Crowe, Tyler (Savannah) Evans, Brooke (Gregg) Van Toor, Allyson Evans, and Chloe Evans; great-grandchildren Riley Evans, Lorelei Crowe, Colson Evans, and Owen Parkhill — and Mr. Black, his cat.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Silvia Evans; his brother, Jerald Evans; and his mother-in-law, Maxine Delfs Walters.

Richard didn’t do anything halfway — whether it was fixing a car, showing up for his family, or living out his faith. He filled his days with purpose, took pride in his work, and made time for the people who mattered most. His life really was “too much to do – not enough time,” and he made the most of every bit of it. Gramps will be deeply missed and always remembered.

We express our deep gratitude for your attendance, generous gifts, kind words and loving prayers.

Visitation will held on Friday, May 16, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Sioux City Baptist Church. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 10 a.m. at the church with burial following at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Facebook link to Sioux City Baptist Church for those who cannot attend the services for Richard Evans.