Bradley Evans

Brad's life began on June 28, 1920 in Chicago, the son of Edwin and Phyllis (Ott) Evans. He was a graduate of Dowagiac Central High School and the Chicago Fire Academy, where he received medical training. He served his country in the United States Army during World War II earning two bronze stars for his service. Brad was united in marriage to the former Louise M. Mulder on March 4, 1944 in Lincoln, Nebraska. He was employed as a welder at Buchanan Steel and National Standard. Brad was instrumental in forming the ambulance service in Dowagiac. He served on the Dowagiac Fire and Rescue from 1970 – 1995. He was honored for making over 2000 ambulance runs in his career. Brad was Firefighter of the Year on two occasions and received the Huey Langley Ambulance Attendant of the Year award. He was considered the unofficial fire department chaplain. He is an honorary member of the Wayne Township Fire Department and he helped form and served as the assistant chief of the Twin Lakes Fire Department. Brad was an active and faithful member of the Calvary Bible Church. He served as the church's clerk and as a trustee on the church board. Brad drove the Sunday School Bus, and performed hours of maintenance and improvements to the church building, the school and the school bus. His loving family includes his children Guy (Jackie) Evans, David ( Ellie ) Evans, Marjorie (Billy) Finn, all of Dowagiac and Marvin Evans of Krum, TX., seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Brad passed away surrounded by his family on Wednesday December 1, 2010 at his home. He is preceded in death by his wife Louise Evans, sister Alice Wurtzeback and brother Edwin Evans, Jr. His family will gather with friends on Monday from 5-8 p.m. at Yazel & Clark Chapel where his funeral service will be held Tuesday at 1 p.m. led by Pastor Robert Vickroy of the Calvary Bible Church. Fire department honors will be rendered following the service at the funeral home. He will be laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery where military honors will be rendered. Memorial contributions in his name may be directed to the Dowagiac Fire Department. Please sign his guestbook and leave a memory of Brad at www.yazel-clark.com.