David (Dave) Russell Evans, 77, passed away on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, in Surprise, Arizona, and is now with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. After almost nine months of lying in bed in pain since his lung collapsed on June 25, 2023, and then having a stroke on July 7, along with numerous infections throughout his body (which ultimately took his life), he is finally pain free and able to walk again—in Heaven!

Dave was born on January 17, 1947, in Altoona, Pennsylvania, the son of Russell and Thelma (McMullen) Evans who preceded him in death, as well as two older brothers and two older sisters.

Dave (aka “Pap” to his five grandkids) is survived by his wife of 57 years, Carol; son, David (Nicole); and granddaughter, Faith (18) and grandson, Aaron (16) of Surprise; son, Dennis and grandson, Owen (13) of Phoenix; son, Brad (Lisa) and grandsons Logan (17) and Bradan (15) of Phoenix; younger sister, Carole (Gene) Landeck of Coalport, Pennsylvania; and several nieces and nephews.

Dave graduated from Altoona High School in June 1964. He served as military police in the Army at Fort Dix, New Jersey, from July 1966–July 1968. He and Carol were married in Altoona on September 24, 1966, and both received Jesus as their Savior on December 7, 1975. Dave was an Allstate Insurance agent for 40 years, starting in Altoona in 1969. After moving to Sun City West, Arizona, in October 1996 and continuing to work for Allstate, he finally retired in 2009.

For many years and in various ways, Dave was a faithful servant of the Lord. He served as missions chairman at Calvary Baptist Church in Altoona and as the Operation Christmas Child shoebox ministry coordinator at Palm West Community Church in Sun City West. Over the years, he enjoyed traveling and attending sporting events with his family and was an avid coin collector. He had a great smile and was never at a loss for words, always ready to tell a story or two. He loved spending time with his five grandkids, and he was always willing to help his family and friends when needed.

Dave’s wishes were to be cremated. A Celebration of Life service for family and friends will be held on Friday, March 29, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. in the Chapel at Sunwest Funeral Home located at 12525 NW Grand Ave, El Mirage, AZ 85335. The interment of ashes service will be held the same day at 2:00 p.m. at the National Memorial Cemetery of AZ in Phoenix and is for family only.

*All obituaries are submitted by family and friends of the deceased.

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