Charles K Evans

EVANS, Charles K.
Of Portage A man of humility and an unassuming modesty, Chuck died Monday afternoon, September 1, 2008, of complications of dementia at home. A fixture in the Portage School system for his entire career, Chuck taught at every level in the district from 1954 until his retirement in 1986. Born June 5, 1928 in Johnstown, PA, Chuck served in the U.S. Navy Air Corps in 1946, then again in the Signal Corps of the U.S. Army in France during the Korean War. In 1948, he married Virginia Vanzo, his loving wife who survives him. They raised three children who survive: Ginger Gibson of Portage husband Jeffrey, Chuck Evans of Erie, PA wife Peggy, and Chris Evans of Mattawan wife Patti. He is also survived by seven grandchildren who became the heart of his life, particularly after he retired as Principal from Portage Northern High School. His love of children through guidance and direction were evident throughout is personal and professional life. A graduate of WMU in 1954, he earned his Master's Degree from there in 1955. He then began his teaching career in the Portage Public Schools system. Chuck loved sports of all kinds. He played football and basketball in high school, boxed in college and was a gymnast early on. He was an avid golfer and made the coveted hole in one and bowled a perfect 300 game. He attended many sporting events during his teaching and administrative career, always supporting the students. Woodworking and carpentry served as hobbies and as a creative outlet for Chuck, following retirement. He found great satisfaction spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren on the beaches of South Haven. His gifts of labor became his gifts of love for not only generations of Portage students, but most especially for the family he leaves behind. Memorial services for Chuck will be at 11:00 AM on Friday tomorrow at St. Michael Lutheran Church, 7211 Oakland Dr., with Rev. Dr. Paul R. Naumann officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 5-8 PM on Thursday tonight at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel, 411 E. Centre Ave. Private interment will be in Portage South Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be directed to Portage Education Foundation, 8111 S. Westnedge Ave., Portage, MI 49002 or Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan, 222 N. Kalamazoo Ave., Suite 100, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. www.langelands.com