Evan F Reeves

Evan Reeves
Escalante, Utah

    I carry your heart, Dad. I carry it in my heart. Evan F  Reeves, 88, passed away suddenly in Panguitch on Sunday, January 14, 2024.  He contracted RSV and influenza and fought as hard as he could. He was able to tell his loved ones goodbye less than an hour before he took his last breath.  
    Evan was born June 17, 1934 in Kanarraville to Lynn and Ella Batty Reeves. He married his love, Lois Griffin, on June 23, 1956. They welcomed their twin girls, Jaleen and Jalyn the following year and were then sealed in the Manti Temple. They later adopted their youngest daughter Jamie. 
    Evan lived a big life. He proudly served his country in the army and was stationed in Fulda, Germany. He then started his civil service as a Kanarraville town board member and in law enforcement. He also served at the Clark County Sheriff’s Department in Las Vegas, NV. His work would later take him to Oahu, HI; Bellevue, IL; Salt Lake and Orem, UT; Las Vegas, NV and Escalante. He was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and fulfilled his many callings faithfully.  
    Evan loved his family and he loved the outdoors. He would take every opportunity to spend time with his loved ones on a hike, fishing, deer hunting, having a picnic or just sitting outside and enjoying the day. Evan was a skilled carpenter and took great pride in his work. He helped build some amazing buildings, including: BYU Hawaii housing, Snow College campus, Salt Lake School District schools, Utah Valley University campus, Las Vegas LDS Temple, The Mirage Hotel, Treasure Island Hotel, New York-New York Hotel, MGM Grand Hotel and the Kazan Medical Clinic. The greatest structure he built was his own home in Escalante, where he welcomed family, friends and members of his community. Evan loved to tell jokes and make people smile, he had such a kind and loving  heart. He loved going for rides around town and always made time to chat with friends. He was rarely seen without his hat, his smile and a Pepsi. He is already missed beyond measure. 
    He is survived by his daughters: Jaleen (Joe) Folaumahina, Orem; Jalyn Reeves, Escalante; Jamie Reeves (Troy), Salt Lake City; 5 grandchildren: Jennifer, James (Mafi), Michael (Kami), Hayden and Hanna; 11 great-grandchildren; brother, Devon Reeves, Santa Clara. 
    He is preceded in death by his wife, Lois; parents, Lynn and Ella; brothers, Boyd Reeves, Leon Reeves; sister, Faedona Abelhouzen.  
    Graveside services will be held Friday, January 19, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. in the Escalante Cemetery. Friends may call at the Escalante Ward Chapel from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Military honors by the Escalante American Legion Post #0114 and Utah Honor Guard. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com