Duane Gemmell Evans

b. 18 August 1929, d. 30 December 2009
  • Duane Gemmell Evans was born on 18 August 1929 in Joyfield, Benzie County, Michigan.
  • He was known as Bug.
  • Duane Gemmell Evans died on 30 December 2009 at age 80 in Benzonia, Benzie County, Michigan, at his home.
  • The following appeared on 2 January 2010 in the Traverse City Record-Eagle: (Benzonia) Duane G. "Bug" Evans, 80, of Benzonia, died Dec. 30, 2009, at home.
         He was born in Joyfield on Aug. 18, 1929, the son of the late James B. and Gladys V. (Putney) Evans. Bug married Susie J. Barnard (Turanski) on June 1, 2001. He proudly served in the U.S. Army for two years.
         He was a lifelong resident of Benzie Co., where he spent all his life raising fruit. He continued the family fruit farm, "Evans Brothers," with brother James.
         He was on the bank board of 1st of America for many years, and the NW Mich. Horticultural Research Station, where he was one of the longest active directors for many years; former member of the Mich. State Horticultural Society and Benzie and Manistee Horticultural Society; Life member of the Masonic Order 32nd degree; Past County President of the County Farm Bureau. He was one of four founders of the Benzie radio station. He was also a member of Michigan Apple Committee and Trinity Lutheran Church in Frankfort.
         He was a loving husband, soul mate and best friend to his wife of 8.5 years, Susie, who survives. They shared two beautiful labs, Mazie and Maggie, who were his ever-present companions. Bug was a very caring, giving man, and had an especially close bond to his daughter, Tricia Evans and his granddaughter, Regan Evans. He is also survived by stepsons, Andrew Barnard and Jason A. Barnard (Megan Chandler) and their daughter, Piper Barnard (For the past year, Bug joined the family in raising his new granddaughter, Piper, "who was the apple of his eye"); sons, Mark, Michael and Timothy Evans; grandchildren, Brandon, Mark and Erika Evans; sister, Iris (Harry) Graham; and many dearly-loved nieces and nephews.
         He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Kenneth, Harry, James and Sidney; sister, Shirley; and an infant son.
         Visitation will take place this evening, Jan. 2, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Jowett Family Funeral Home, 7223 South St., Benzonia.
         Funeral service will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 3, at Trinity Lutheran Church, with Pastors James Petteys and Rick Stieve officiating. Burial will be in Benzonia Twp. Cemetery.
         Contributions may be directed to the church or hospice.
         Arrangements are by Jowett Family Funeral Homes, Benzonia.
  • He was interred at Benzonia Township Cemetery, Benzonia, Benzie County, Michigan.
  • Last Edited: 15 Dec 2014