John Clarence Evans Jr.

John Clarence Evans, Jr., age 65, passed away due to leukemia on September 4, 2021, surrounded by his family at his home in Eaton Rapids. He was born on November 21, 1955, in Lincoln, Nebraska to parents John Clarence Evans, Sr. and Sarah Marjorie (Cain) Evans.
He married Lavonna in 1985 and they shared 36 years together. He adored Lavonna and was the world’s best dad to his girls, Lynnsilee and Elise. His granddaughter, Nadia was the twinkle in his eye. He graduated from Harry Hill High School in 1973 and completed a degree in computer sciences at LCC. John started his career at Mobile TV in Lansing, MI, and then transitioned to Spartan Electronics in Jackson for over 20 years. He studied to become a Master CNE (one of only eight in the nation receiving this designation). He dedicated the rest of his career with Michigan State University as a Systems Administrator.
John was a very punny guy and his laugh was contagious to all around him. He was a wonderful friend to many. He shared a love for dad jokes, Astronomy, MSU, the Timeless series, good food, and his church, Thrive Church (formerly Eaton Rapids Wesleyan Church).
John is survived by his wife, Lavonna Lee (Craig) Evans; his daughters, Lavonna Lynnsilee (Adrian) Alvera and Elise Evans; granddaughter Nadia Alvera; sisters, Sharon (Darren) Frye and Ruth (John) Slate; and many in-laws, nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and great aunts, Ruth Manion and Pearl Runyan, who were very dear to him.
The family would like to thank the caregivers on 5 West (Sparrow’s oncology floor), his MSU colleagues, Thrive Church, and extended family for all of their love and support for John.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Sparrow Herbert-Herman Cancer Center, 1140 East Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48912.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.grlansing.com for the Evans family. The family was served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes.
A visitation was held last year on September 10, 2021, at Gorsline Runciman, 1730 East Grand River Ave., East Lansing, MI followed by a graveside service at Evergreen Cemetery, 1709 East Mt. Hope Ave., Lansing, MI. A celebration of John’s life was held last year on Grandparents Day, September 12, 2021, at the MSU Horticultural Gardens (attendees were invited to wear their MSU attire and share a private dad joke or pun with the family).
Note from the family: It has been brought to our attention that there are some community members who are still not aware of John’s passing. Please accept our sincere apologies for neglecting to share the obituary in our local paper at that time. Though it has been nearly a year, our loss still feels recent, and an empty place resides in our hearts.