Russell Marvin Evans

Russell Marvin Evans of Indian Head Park, Illinois died on March 20, 2024 at the age of 90. 

He was born in Rebecca on September 28, 1933, the seventh son and two daughters of the late William Marvin and the late Ruby Little Evans. Mr. Evans graduated from Sycamore High School in 1952, and earned a BA degree in Business Education from Berry College in 1956. As a 13 year old chap, Russ gave his life to Christ and was baptized by the late Rev. Eldridge of the Big Creek Baptist Church in Irwin County. As he transferred in career service, Russ never failed to affiliate himself with a local church. He joined Christ Church of Oak Brook in Oak Brook, Illinois in 1975 and served in numerous capacities including the 100-voice chancel choir. Mr. Evans commenced a railroad sales career with the Southern Railway System in Atlanta in 1956 and retired from Norfolk Southern Corporation in Chicago as National Sales Manager in 1993. He served two years in the Army at Ft. Benning, Georgia. After retiring from his railroad career in 1993, Russ became an avid volunteer at the Brookfield Zoo where he was awarded several recognitions including the Volunteer of the Year in 1999. His sports passion was the Chicago Bulls where he was a season ticket holder from 1974 until 2018. 

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Hazel Evans Smith and Jewell Evans Hasty; six brothers: Willis Cecil, Floyd Leon, Othal Cleveland, Dewey Felton (Jack), Osal Jerome (Margaret), and Charles Freeman (Ruby Nell). 

He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews. 

There will be a memorial service at Christ Church of Oak Brook, 31st & York Road, Oak Brook, on April 6, 2024 at 10:00 AM. A graveseide memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, April 13, 2023 at New Prospect Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery to be officiated by Rev. Rick Evans. 

Memorials may be sent to Christ Church of Oak Brook, 501 Oak Brook Rd, Oak Brook, IL 60523, or to the Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Rd, Brookfield, IL 60513.