Obituary of Donald Lee Evans

Donald Lee Evans, 85, of Sherman, beloved husband of Frances E. (Adams) Evans, passed away at Danbury Hospital on Wednesday, March 8, 2023.  He was born in Pottsville, PA on February 13th, 1938, son of the late Robert S. and Helen V. (Belles) Evans. 

He earned his BS in Chemistry & Biology with a minor in History from Muhlenberg College and furthered his pharmaceutical education (Pharm-D) at the Philadelphia School of Pharmacy (now part of St Joseph’s University). 

Donald worked for many years as a pharmaceutical engineer and executive for URI Mutual Pharmaceutical. His career included several other pharmaceutical roles at the National Drug Company, Johnson & Johnson, and Danbury (Schein) Pharmaceutical. His career often required him to travel internationally to many countries around the world, he did so with his wife by his side. 

Above all his professional achievements, his proudest accomplishment was his family. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, who never missed a thing. He firmly believed family should always come first. Donald was the type of person who preferred to have a “crowded table” with those he loved. He taught his grandchildren what it meant to “show up.” He sat on the sidelines of every event they participated in and taught them to work hard. As much as he was a teacher to his children and grandchildren, he himself was a lifelong student. He was intentional and calm, he strived to be better each day and did so through knowledge, new experiences, and mastering various skills. He was an avid fly fisherman and enjoyed both water and snow skiing. After Donald retired he hiked the Appalachian Trail for 4 days straight, sleeping under the stars along the way. He was often found boating on Candlewood Lake, waterskiing and wakeboarding with his children, grandchildren, and many of his “buddies.” He remained physically fit, slalom skiing and kayaking well into his 80’s. 

In addition to his cherished wife Frances of almost 63 years, he will be greatly missed by his two sons, Keith Evans, and Jeffrey Evans (MaryGrace Giuliano), four grandchildren, Parker Evans, Blake Evans, Rylan Evans, Emma Evans; and was dearly fond of Kamryn Thibodeau, Shaylin Giuliano and Kiersten Giuliano.

A memorial service and celebration of life is planned for June 10th at 11:00 AM at New Life United Methodist Church in New Fairfield CT. 

Donald strongly believed in the importance of a public library, especially in a small town such as Sherman, CT. In lieu of flowers, a donation of any amount to the Sherman Library is greatly appreciated.