Stephen Evans

STEPHEN EVANS
September 22, 1932 April 15, 2016
Stephen Evans, formerly of Canton, passed away on April 15, 2016 at the age of 83. Stephen was born in Detroit, MI to Stephen and Genevieve Evans on September 22, 1932. He grew up in Detroit and lived there until he married the love of his life, the late Ann Dorothy Evans (Verbanac), on May 30, 1959. They started their life and family together in Dearborn Heights, and moved to Canton in 1971 where they blissfully resided for over 40 years. Stephen is survived by his four adoring daughters: Suzanne (Robert) Light, Cheryl (Daniel) Mathena, Laura (Thomas) Jones, and Michelle (Matt) Leighton; six grandchildren: Tara (Mark) Hindelang, Brenton Mathena, Stephen Light, Michael Jones, Sarah Jones, and Tanner Leighton; his sister, Judith (Anthony) Cruz; and nephews Aaron (Erin) Cruz and Adam Cruz.
Steve was a devoted family man with a happy-go-lucky nature, passion for sports and card games, a wicked wit, and the patience of a saint. A hard worker willing to do whatever necessary, Steve helped support his family while attending high school, and carried that work ethic throughout his career providing a beautiful life of simple abundance for his wife and family. Faced with physical challenges from early childhood on, he never let that keep him on the sidelines. He played football, baseball, and participated in marching band with highlights that included pitching a no-hitter, and performing in the Hudsons Thanksgiving Day Parade. After graduating from Chadsey High School in Detroit, Steve attended Detroit Business College and worked for General Motors and EDS until retirement.
Steve and Dorothy built a marriage and life together that reflected their core values of faith, family and unconditional love. Being a husband and dad came naturally to Steve he put family first. He was always willing to lend a hand, listen, encourage, advise, and be present at whatever activities his daughters participated in. Because of his constant presence, he was the dad that everyone knew and loved. Steve instilled a passion for travel and adventure in his girls as family vacations, time up north at the cottage, recreational and sporting events were a priority. In his later years, Steve was blessed with grandchildren who were the sparkle in his eyes and could do no wrong. He was so proud of his daughters, and relished watching his grandchildren grow up and bring the Evans legacy into the next generation.
Although he will be missed, Steve lived a fulfilling life, left behind countless memories and stories for us to cherish, and is now reunited in heaven with his eternal love, Dorothy. Funeral service Saturday, April 23rd, at St. John Neumann Catholic Church 44800 Warren Rd, Canton with Mr. Evans lying in state beginning at 1:00pm until time of funeral mass at 1:30pm. Friends may visit the Schrader-Howell Funeral Home 280 South Main St, Plymouth on Friday, April 22nd from 2:00pm-9:00pm. Interment Riverside Cemetery.