Daniel Lynn Evans

Daniel Lynn Evans, 61, of New Philadelphia, died unexpectedly on Saturday, October 13, 2012 in Union Hospital at Dover following an apparent heart attack.

A son of the late Edward and Charlotte (Monroe) Evans, Dan was born September 13, 1951 in Union Hospital at Dover, Ohio.

Dan graduated from New Philadelphia High School in 1970. During his high school years, he was a member of both the football and basketball teams and he was proud to be part of the 1969 Cardinal Conference Championship football team. During that season, the Quakers had a record of 9-1 and were guided by Coaches Sam Miller and Al Dunn. Following high school, Dan played one year of football for the West Virginia University Mountaineers. He then went on to graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Akron University.

On June 8, 1974, Dan married the love of his life, the former Wendy Susan Harris and the couple would eventually be blessed with two daughters, Jessica and Angie.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church at New Philadelphia where he also served as a teacher for the Cross Bearer’s Sunday School Class. Dan served as a volunteer for the Upward Basketball Program as a coach and referee coordinator and was currently working in the Sales and Service Department at Flynn Tire.

Dan will be remembered for his generous personality and for his desire to care for others before himself. His true passion in life was faith and his family and being in their company.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Wendy Evans; his daughters, Jessica (Jason) Kopelwitz and Angie (Matthew) Starline both of Athens, Ohio; his siblings, Beverly Watson of New Philadelphia, Charlotte (A.K.) Rodd of Wooster, Ohio, Donna (Don) Gardner of New Philadelphia, Nancy Evans of New Philadelphia, Marie (Bob) Reymond of New Philadelphia, Chuck Evans of Gnadenhutten, Irene Aubihl of Sugarcreek, Ed (Mary Lou) Evans of California and Bob (Sandee) Evans of Dover; many nieces and nephews whom he dearly loved; his mother-in-law, Helen Harris of New Philadelphia and two brothers-in-law, Jeff (Cynthia) Harris of Wisconsin and Brett Harris of Dublin, Ohio.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Allan Evans; a sister, Ruth Karen Evans; his father-in-law, Bob Ed Harris; two nephews, Rodney Paisley and Sam Schwartz; a brother-in-law, Earl Watson and a sister-in-law, Betty Evans.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, October 16, 2012 from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. A funeral service celebrating Dan’s life will be held on Wednesday, October 17, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. in the First United Methodist Church at New Philadelphia with Rev. Dr. Steven Bailey officiating. A meal and time of fellowship will take place at the church immediately following the service. In keeping with Dan’s wishes, cremation will follow the service and inurnment will be held in Evergreen Burial Park at New Philadelphia at a later date.

Also, in keeping in the true spirit of Dan’s generosity, he gave the gift of life to others by way of organ and tissue donation through Lifebanc.

Contributions may be made in Dan’s memory to the First United Methodist Church Building Fund, 201 West High Avenue, New Philadelphia, OH 44663 or to the Quaker Foundation, P.O. Box 627, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.