Howard Evans, 82, of Miller, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2018, at Prairie View Healthcare Community in Woonsocket, following a battle with cancer.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, Jan. 25, at 10:30 a.m. at Reck Funeral Home in Miller, with Father Paul Josten officiating. A light lunch will follow the service at the funeral home.

Howard Lavern Evans was born Aug. 5, 1935, to Arthur and Fairy (Almond) Evans on a farm south of St. Lawrence. He grew up on that farm and was educated in the St. Lawrence and rural school systems.

He was united in marriage to Yvonne Schaefers on Feb. 7, 1959, in Polo. They were blessed with seven children. The couple started their family life on a farm near Polo, later moving to Miller, where they lived until his death.

Howard is survived by his wife, Yvonne; children, David (Val) Evans of Cape Coral, Fla., Anita Baker of Sioux Falls, Mike Evans of Huron, Gary Evans of Aberdeen, Kevin (Duron) Evans of Gilbert, Ariz., Colleen (Blair) Scoular of Aberdeen, and Terry Evans of Miller; 12 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law; and two brothers-in-law.

He was preceded in death by his two brothers, Richard and Maurice; and four sisters, Verlyn Miller, Beryle “Tillie” Baysinger, Helen Younkin, and Connie Edelman.