Dale Stanley Evans (90) of Madera passed away on Sunday August 2, 2020 after a short illness. Born in Fairfax, Oklahoma on November 24, 1929, Dale was the son of William Corbett Evans and Beulah Faye Evans, and brother to five siblings, the late Lloyd Evans and Alogene Jester, surviving siblings Virginia Wilton, Marie Atkinson and Charles Evans.
In 1935, William and Beulah loaded up the children and all their belongings left the farm in Oklahoma for California. The family settled in Madera and put down roots. After graduating from Madera High School in 1949, he began working at the Hill Top Dairy in Madera.
In June of 1950, he married Melba Sue Glenn. Shortly after they were married, they moved to San Diego. Dale went to work for San Diego Power and Electric. He was drafted into the Marine Corps and served stateside during the Korean War from 1952-1954. After being discharged, they moved back to Madera. Dale and Melba raised three children together. He worked at TECO in Madera for 23 years before he and Melba started their own successful family business, Evans Feed and Livestock Supply.
He was a member of the Madera County Cattlemen’s Association, California Cattlemen’s Association, the Exchange Club, the Elks and was an enthusiastic supporter of the Future Farmers of America and local 4-H Clubs. He was honored in 2014 as the Madera County Cattleman of the Year and in 2017, the Madera Chamber of Commerce honored him with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Dale enjoyed working, hunting, fishing, raising cattle, visiting National Parks, and everything about the Western way of life. He loved his customers at the family feed stores, where he was a familiar presence long past “retirement”. He had a very strong work ethic, and could often be found at the store even at 90. He loved sharing stories about the “good ol’ days” and was always willing to lend a hand when needed.
He is survived by companion Laquita Evans; his son Roger and Karen Evans of Madera, his daughter Carolyn and Francis Alberta of Twain Harte and son Michael and Nancy Evans of Idaho. Also surviving are grandchildren, Amy Evans, Jeff Chambers; Morgan Cox, Jody and Andy Salt, William Cox, Courtney Alberta-Forte; Dustin Evans and Sydney Evans; two great-grandchildren, Frieda Salt and Henry Salt; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at Jay Chapel on Sunday August 9, 2020 from 4:00 PM-8:00 PM.
A private family graveside service will follow on Monday at 10:00 at Arbor Vitae Cemetery in Madera.