Frank Butler Evans, 91
Frank Butler Evans, 91, passed away on Tuesday, June 22, 2010, in Sandpoint, Idaho.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 26, 2010, at the First Presbyterian Church in Sandpoint with the Rev. Dr. Nancy Copeland-Payton officiating.
Burial will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park with full military honors.
Frank was born on Feb. 13, 1919, in Sugar City, Idaho, to Dr. Frank B. and Clara Evans. The family followed Frank’s father’s medical practice to Dover in 1923 and to Sandpoint four years later.
In high school, Frank was active in student affairs and as a senior served as student body president. He also was elected captain of the football team.
Frank attended the University of Idaho and graduated in 1941.
While a student he was a member of Pershing Rifles, the Hell Divers swim team and was elected president of the Sigma Nu fraternity (1940-’41).
After graduation he volunteered for the U.S. Army Air Corps pilot training program and received his pilot’s wings in February 1942.
On March 29, 1942, Frank married his high school and college sweetheart, Jane Pier, in Boise, Idaho.
Dur-ing World War II, Frank piloted 50 missions in a B-17 Bomber over Europe and North Africa.
He was awarded several medals including the Distinguished Flying Cross for bringing his crew safely back to base with two disabled engines after being severely damaged by enemy fire. On another occasion he and his crew were forced to parachute from their crippled aircraft after being attacked by German fighter planes.
Following these incidents, Frank and his crew were assigned to serve as the personal pilot and flying office for British General Field Marshall B.L. Montgomery, ferrying him safely between London and Cairo. They served in this capacity for several months before returning to active combat duty.
After returning from overseas he was stationed in Sioux City, Iowa, where he served as air commander.
In 1943 he was honorably discharged with the rank of major.
Frank and Jane returned to Sandpoint, where they became active members in the community. He became a partner in the Ford Motor franchise Cady & Pier, Inc. He twice served as president of the chamber of commerce, served on the Bonner General Hospital board of trustees for many years , was chairman of the Sandpoint Independent Highway District, served on the school board, acted as a trustee for the Idaho Auto Dealers Association, and was a member of the B.P.O.E Elks No.1376 including a term as Exalted Ruler.
After he retired he worked as a volunteer for SCORE, Spokane Chapter. Frank’s demeanor was calm and reasonable, and he brought peace, understanding and compromise to the different boards on which he served.
Both Frank and Jane were very active in the First Presbyterian Church. They served as elders and sang in the choir for more than 30 years.
He and Jane have been strong supporters of the Festival at Sandpoint, the Pend Oreille Arts Council and the Panida Theater. Frank was an avid golfer and after retirement he and Jane enjoyed traveling and playing courses in many parts of the western United States and Canada.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Jane Evans of Sandpoint; five children, Carolyn Evans (Al Richardson) of Shoreline, Wash., Steve Evans (Karen) of Green Valley, Ariz., Tom Evans (Lyn) of Sandpoint, John Evans (Laurie) of Virginia, and Mary Evans of Lewiston; twelve grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister, Ada Whittaker of Bonners Ferry.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and five sisters.
“Dad, thank you for being the rock of our family, you will always be our hero.”
Memorial donations may be made to the Festival at Sandpoint, PO Box 695, Sandpoint, ID 83864; or the First Presbyterian Church, 417 N. Fourth Ave, Sandpoint, ID 83864.
Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit Frank’s online memorial at www.lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his guest book.