John "Red" M. Evans

John Matthew “Red” Evans, 85, of Washington, passed away peacefully at 2:25pm February 17, 2018 at Lutheran Hillside Village in Peoria. He was born in Chicago on August 13, 1932 to James and Margaret Evans. He married Barbara Schwarz on January 19, 1974 in Streator. John attended Harvard School of Business from 1974-75. During his 50 year career, he served with Laborers’ Local 231 as Business Manager and created the current Laborers’ Local 231 Pension, Welfare, and Annuity Fund. John also helped create the Great Plains Laborers’ District Council also serving as its Business manager. He went on to become a representative with (LIUNA) Laborers’ International Union of North America and served as Assistant Regional Manager of the Midwest Region until retiring in 1995. After retiring, he was asked by the Laborers’ International to start one of the first Retiree Councils in the Midwest Region, which now enjoys over 200 members. As part of his many years of loyal service to the Laborers’ International Union, his name was dedicated to a facility funded by the Laborers’ Home Development in Pekin, known as the John M. Evans Supportive Living Community. He also organized an annual golf tournament as a fundraiser for local student scholarships. During his young adult years, John was a professional boxer who fought out of Chicago as Red Evans. He had a professional records of 25 wins and 2 losses during his boxing career. Throughout his life, John was an avid golfer and fisherman. After retiring, he spent 22 of his winters enjoying his “snowbird” home in sunny Florida. He also enjoyed spending time with friends and family. The family would like to the staff at Reflections Memory Care in Washington, Lutheran Hillside Village in Peoria, and Harbor Light Hospice. Surviving is his wife Barbara of Washington; three daughters, Melody Wilson, Brenda (Ronald) Cawley, and Heidi Evans; one son, John Steven Evans; four grandchildren, Sarah (Paul) Habriga, April (Bryan) Murphy, Matthew Wilson, and Stephanie Evans; and several great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, James “Duke” Evans; and one sister, Elizabeth Long. A funeral service will be held at 1:00pm Thursday, February 22, 2018 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington. Chaplain Jeff Harter will officiate. Visitation will be from 5-7:00pm Wednesday, February 21, 2018 at the funeral home. Interment will be at Glendale Cemetery in Washington. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimers Association or a charity of the donor’s choice. “We never think how great a gift it is to think. Cherish your thoughts”.

John "Red" M. Evans

August 13, 1932 - February 17, 2018