Submitted by his children
Our father was 61 years of age when he suddenly died on Sunday July 10‚ 2005 at the scene of a fire alarm. He was a life member of the Bridgeville Volunteer Fire Company Station 72‚ joining in 1964‚ where he was named Fireman of the Year in 1968. Over the years he has held the positions of treasurer‚ chief engineer‚ engineer‚ 1st assistant chief and 2nd assistant chief. Our father has also held positions in several other fire organizations which included past president of the State Fire Chief’s Association‚ Delmarva Fireman’s Association‚ Sussex County Fire Chiefs‚ and Sussex County Fireman’s Association as well as having served on numerous committee appointments throughout the years.
He had a love and dedication for the fire service that was unsurpassed. Another passion was his love for farming. He was raised on a farm in Bridgeville‚ Delaware where his parents Joseph E. Evans and Rebecca H. Evans began; he helped his father for many years until 1982 when his parents could not run the farm. Our father and mother took over and we as kids got to enjoy life on the farm. After losing our mother to cancer in March of 1993 ‘Beverly Lucks Evans‚’ he continued to farm and in 2000 became partners with his son Kevin‚ who was manager and part owner in Evans Farm LLC.
In addition to being a farmer‚ our father also worked as a telephone lineman‚ for Diamond State and then Bell Atlantic and retired after 33 years of dedicated service in 1998. During this time he received the Spirit of Excellence Award from Bell Atlantic and was a member of the Telephone Pioneers. Our father served in the National Guards and was a member of the 1962 Blue Gold All Star Football team. He enjoyed playing many sports including softball.
He was a man that told things like they were; he was filled with love and compassion. You could not ask for a better father or grandfather. He was always there to help a friend or a stranger in need. He loved spending time with his grandchildren. He enjoyed life‚ and always had a smile or a funny joke. The words that sum up this man‚ father‚ friend are strength‚ heart‚ wisdom and a great big hug!! We love you always and forever! Thanks for being the best father!!
In Loving MemoryKim Vanbuskirk – DaughterKevin Evans – Son
Submitted by his friend
On July 10‚ 2005‚ veteran firefighter of the Bridgeville Volunteer Fire Company‚ Joseph H. Evans‚ died while responding to a fire call. As of June 5‚ 2005‚ Joe had served as a volunteer member of the B.V.F.C. for 41 years. As a fireman‚ he took position in many appointed offices that included the following: Chief Engineer‚ Assistant Chief Engineer‚ Director of Supplies‚ 15 yrs. as 1st or 2nd Assistant Chief‚ President of the Sussex County Firemen’s Association‚ President of the State Fire Chief’s Association‚ President of the D.V.F.A. and in 1968 was awarded the B.V.F.C.’s ‘Fireman of the Year’ Award.
Joe is survived by his 2 children‚ Kevin Evans‚ Kim Vanbuskirk‚ & granddaughter‚ Delaney Vanbuskirk. He was not only known as a fireman‚ but also a devout father‚ husband‚ grandfather & friend. He will be greatly missed & forever cherished within our hearts.
Pappa Joe was a father figure to all of the young members that ever joined the Company throughout the years. He was more than willing to take you under his wing and show you the ropes. He always had good advice for any situation and told you how it was time and time again. He was a vital part of the learning process for all of us. Pappa Joe we have missed you being around for the last 15 months and you will never be forgotten. You are a true Hero!
– Bruce Parsons