He was born August 10th, 1943, to Merrill James Evans and Neva Ruth (Stevenson) Evans in Vinton, Iowa.
Roger was born with a disability that, at that time in our society, should have been extremely limiting for him. He refused to accept those limitations and achieved an independence and lust for life that many, without disabilities, fail to achieve.
In his early years, Roger owned his own woodworking shop and worked as a mechanic alongside one of his best friends, Carl Anderson. He also worked as a packaging rewinder at Cryovac in Cedar Rapids and, later, taught handicapped individuals how to perform specific skills as employees for Goodwill Industries.
Roger was known for his love of animals and served as Benton County Humane Society manager and dogcatcher from 1979 - 1983. He also raised Rottweilers and Dobermans for many years and was known as one of the best dog breeders in the Midwest.
Roger was also known for his love of crafting and his invention of a form of art involving sculpting with yarn-wrapped wire.
Roger is survived by his son, Kevin Evans (Jamie), and his daughter Lisa (Ron) Arbuckle, five grandchildren, Drayden, Austyn, Jaaron, Paityn and Kaeli, and two great-grandchildren, Leland and Legend.
He was preceded in death by his parents, five siblings, and several close friends.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, June 26th, from 4-6:30 pm at the American Legion Hall in Vinton. An informal service will begin at 4:30 with time for remembrances and stories after.
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