Earl H. Evers

Earl Henry Evers, 84, passed away on Saturday, April 5th, after a short illness in Grants Pass, Oregon.

From an early age, Earl’s life was filled with adventure. He was born on August 19, 1940, in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, to Mae Stevens and Earl "Babe" Evers, and was the youngest of four siblings. After his mother's passing, Earl embarked on a remarkable journey — driving from Central Florida to Clear, Alaska, to work at the G.E. camp alongside his older brother as an apprentice electrician.

While working in Alaska, Earl began corresponding with Dawn Meredith Johnson of Chicago, Illinois. Their connection blossomed into love, and they married in 1964. Earl and Dawn lived briefly in Fairbanks before settling in Anchorage in 1965, where they built a life together and raised three children.

In 1967, Earl enrolled in the Electrical Program through the Local IBEW and earned his journeyman certification. For the next 31 years, he worked as a civil service electrician at Fort Richardson Army Base. Earl and Dawn spent countless weekends exploring Alaska’s rivers, mountains, and trails with their children, bonding over fishing, hunting, and four-wheeling. His passion for the outdoors was second only to his lifelong love of vintage cars and the music of the 1950s.

Earl had a generous and welcoming spirit. Throughout his life, he opened his home to others, fostering a young child, welcoming those in need, and offering a safe place for many. His children’s friends often regarded Earl as a second father. Though he was a naturally shy man, he possessed a rare gift: the ability to make everyone feel seen, heard, and respected. His laugh could fill a room, and his warmth could lift even the heaviest hearts.

In 1993, Earl and his children faced the devastating loss of Dawn. In 1995, he found love again and married Gwena Gravett of Anchorage. They shared 23 years together, eventually relocating to Grants Pass, Oregon, in 2005, where they built a home and community. After Gwena’s passing in 2018, Earl found renewed purpose through his friendships at Parkway Christian Traditions group and Merlin Community Baptist Church.

In the last year of his life, Earl found love once more and was engaged to Katherine of Grants Pass. His life was marked by conviction, loyalty, pride in his work and family, and a deep love of Christ. His heart was also always open to any cat or dog that needed love and a home.

Earl is survived by his three children Scott Evers (Karen) of Anchorage, AK, Tammy Patton (Kevin) of Maple Valley, WA and Mark Evers (Beverly) of Hurricane, UT

Rest now, Dad, in the arms of Jesus. You did a good job. You came from nothing, built a family, and overcame every obstacle in your path. We are proud to call you our father and our friend. We will miss you dearly.

Please share a memory of Earl on his Guestbook below.