Merrill Steven Evans
Merrill Steven Evans
Merrill Steven Evans, age 79, of Rose Hill, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023 at his home surrounded by loved ones, and under the care of Every Step Hospice.
Steven was born Dec. 20, 1943 at Naval Hospital in Miami Beach, Fla., to Kyle Vernette and Lois Christine (Smith) Evans.
His father was stationed in Miami as military police, while serving in the Army during World War II. Kyle was re-stationed, so Lois and Steven moved to Monterey. Steven attended Jefferson Country School through grade eight. He graduated from Davis County High School in 1961.
Steven roamed the community where he lived — hunting, fishing, tormenting his sisters, and keeping his mother on her toes. He had a friendship with everyone for miles around and a date with about every girl his age.
Steven was employed by John Morrell Co. for 10 years, and was one of the last employees when the Ottumwa plant closed.
Steven married his partner for life, Karen Horn, on April 5, 1964. They welcomed a son, Robert Steven (Stormy), and two daughters, Robbin Michelle and Brenda Kay (Bryon Finneman). The family added grandchildren, Kyla (Billy Golden), Levi and Leland Evans, Shayna Walters, and Jenna Finneman; great-grandchildren, Jayley Mathes, Draven and Kasen Nord, and Amelia Evans; as well as Elizabeth Stencil and children Serenity and Valon.
Steven put up hay, tied wool, and cut thistles for farmers. He helped Bill and Charlene Waybill at the service station at the Iowa/Mo. line. He worked for Curtis and Norma Lamb at their Queen City, Mo. station.
Steven and Bob Kosman purchased land and farmed for five years. Upon selling the farm, Steve and Karen pulled out of the driveway with two children, $107, and never sought assistance.
Steven managed a small grain elevator in Highland Center. He became the owner/operator of Steve’s Feed Service and Café in Rose Hill and increased his customer base to include Hedrick, Drakesville, West Grove, and the Amish community.
Steven became one of Hubbard Milling’s largest salesman in a short time. He worked at new endeavors until he was at his best. He served as President of Hubbard Milling Co. Dealer Council for three terms. He served as Treasurer and Board Member of Rose Hill Ruritan Club, and was a member of Rose Hill Booster Club.
Steven hunted coon, quail, rabbits, squirrel, and deer. There are many pictures of his big catches while fishing. He won the Iowa State Fair Horseshoe Pitching Contest in his division and as a member of National Horseshoe Pitchers.
Steven is survived by his wife; sisters Sandy (Edward “Junior” Reese) Foster of Bloomfield, Sharon (Randy) Leedom of Eddyville; brothers-in-law Jack (Vicky) Horn and Gary (Roberta Shroyer) Horn of Newton, Gordon Horn of Moulton, Bryan (Sherry) Horn and sisters-in-law Sheryl (DeWayne) Lawson of Bloomfield, Katherine (Dennis Radek) Horn of Orlando Park, Ill., Corliss Howard and Debra (Mike) Montufar of West Des Moines, Illa Horn of Des Moines, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; father-in-law and mother-in-law Kermit and Mae Horn; daughter Robbin; brothers-in-law Stuart and LaVerne Horn, Gary Howard, and Gary Foster.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Jan. 14, at 10:30 a.m. at the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa with John Good and Doran Ryan officiating. Burial will follow in Burgher Cemetery near Moulton. Visitation will begin Friday, Jan. 13 at 11 a.m. with the family present from 5-7 p.m. Memorials may be made to Every Step Hospice.
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Partly cloudy skies. Low 29F. Winds light and variable..
Partly cloudy skies. Low 29F. Winds light and variable.
Updated: January 10, 2023 @ 7:23 pm
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