Bobby Joe Evans Obituary (1947 - 2020)

Bobby Joe Evans, 72 of Normal, Illinois passed away at 11:24 AM Monday, March 2, 2020 at his residence. There will be a celebration of life for Bobby at the Castle Theatre in Bloomington. Interment will take place at Blue Mound Cemetery in Ellsworth with the Bloomington Normal American Legion Honor Guard performing Military Rites. Both events will be held at a later date and further announcements will be made regarding these gatherings. Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home in Bloomington will be handling arrangements. Bobby was born on May 10, 1947 to Emmett and Lydia Smith Evans of Bloomington. He married Betty P. Stewart on March 5, 1969, in Bloomington. She preceded him in death on May 10, 2000. He later married Dorene Spaid on February 17, 2001, in Ellsworth. She survives. He is also survived by one daughter Bethany (John) Evans-Campbell of Bloomington, three grandchildren Zane Evans-Campbell, Riley Evans and Holly Evans, three step grandchildren Janel, Austin and Mary Campbell, and one brother in law Lynn (Cheryl) Spaid. He was preceded in death by one son, Bobby Evans, three brothers, Jimmie Evans, Ronald Evans, and Sammy Evans and five sisters Beatrice Bell, Vivian Evans, Virginia Wirick, Margaret Myers and Judith Probus. Bobby proudly served his country in the United States Army. After spending time in the insurance industry, he worked as a self-employed contractor. He loved to build, fix, create and teach. Bobby never met a stranger and thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his friends and family. His love of the outdoors was very apparent and he genuinely loved sharing it with others. Bobby had a passion for plants and animals; he planted a forest from seed, he created habitat for wildlife. An avid hunter and fisherman, he treasured any opportunity to experience these moments with a friend. He had been active for many years with the McLean County Sportsman's Association, the Mackinaw Valley Bassmasters, and the Bloomington Normal Bass Club. Bobby was always an enthusiastic, generous person with a desire to put a smile on your face. Bobby battled a rare blood cancer for over 7 years. He would be honored to help inspire others to join the Bone Marrow Donor Registry at dkms.org. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital at stjude.org, Patient Access Network at panfoundation.org or a charity of your choice.