Gordon "Kent" Evans

Gordon Kent Evans, of West Valley City, Utah, passed away unexpectedly May 14, 2020. 

Kent was born in Roosevelt, Duchesne County, Utah, on January 4th, 1949 and spoke often of his early memories of the area. In grade school, his family moved to Granger, UT, where he went on to graduate from Granger High School. As a teenager and young adult, he enjoyed working with his father at Winder Dairy. He later went to Trade School and earned his Plumbers License. After employment with private plumbing companies, he became a plumber and pipe fitter for ATK until his retirement after 30 years.

Kent met his future wife when he bought a Twinkie as an excuse to talk to her at the Hutchingson grocery store where she worked. Two weeks later, he left for his mission to Frankfurt, Germany.  After serving faithfully and developing a great love for the German people, Kent returned and married Nancy on September 11, 1970. Together they had seven children and built a beautiful life in West Valley. They have weathered many storms, enjoyed many adventures, and have shared a love for the ages. Their relationship has been a strength and inspiration to everyone who knows them.

Kent’s kind nature made him incredibly service-oriented. No matter who needed help at whatever hour, he would be there. The combination of his great love for others and his deep faith in Jesus Christ lead him to serve in many callings for The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - from nursery to Bishop to the High Council and the Stake Presidency. He had a special connection with and loved serving the youth. In the Boy Scouts of America he was honored to receive his Eagle Scout and the Silver Beaver award. He also had quite the reputation for playing church basketball, his favorite sport (which he learned from his mom in his childhood driveway). His nickname, Krunch, was reinforced by basketball injuries incurred from his “enthusiastic” church ball days.

Papa Kent, as he was often known, had a deep love for the outdoors, enjoying any time spent in his yard or in the mountains. A great joy was taking the scenic route in his shiny truck. And if he was in the mountains, he was whittling. He was an excellent wood carver, making many beautiful works of art.

Kent will be remembered by all who knew him as someone who loved deeply, served tirelessly, and lived passionately.

He is survived by his wife Nancy, and children Shawn K Evans (Kathy); Tamara J Webb (Tysen); Natalie J Gill (Jason); Candace B Clement (Chris); Eric W Evans (Erin); Ethan L Evans (Keri); 17 Grandchildren; and his sister Connie Owen (Cal). 

He was preceded in death by his son Christopher Kent Evans, and parents Gordon Ward and Beth Evans. 

A private family funeral will be by invitation only (due to COVID 19 restrictions) Tuesday, May 19, 2020 at 2:00 PM at McDougal Funeral Home. All others can join the funeral by live video here: https://vimeo.com/419081561/ed77b37a18

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