John R. Evans

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of John Robert Evans, a talented race car aficionado, a skilled craftsman who had more tools than Ace Hardware, a man who made creative designs in leather and stained glass and was a passionate fan (and sometime driver) of anything with a motor designed for high speed! John passed away peacefully on New Year’s Day, 2025, surrounded by his family, after a short, yet courageous race with pancreatic cancer. In his last days, he chose to forgo his much-needed pain medication in favor of clarity of mind so he could consciously appreciate his family and visitors and say goodbye with the warmth of affection he felt.

Born on October 3 rd , 1944 in Topeka, Kansas to parents, Joe Kirby Evans and Faith Onley Killinger. John expressed an early passion for cars and all things mechanical. His love for cars blossomed into a remarkable career, after earning a BS degree in Education and Masters in Automotive Technology from Pittsburg (KS) State University. His road went from “I can fix anything” to joining the Truesports race team with IndyCar series in Ohio where he worked in the pit crew for Bobby Rahal when he won the Indy 500 in 1986. John was also responsible for the Rahal test car for other big races. 

Off the track, John was equally talented as a craftsman. He spent countless hours designing, building, welding and woodworking everything from our family log cabin in Marble, Colorado to his own home in Silt, previously an old schoolhouse. His meticulous attention to detail and his creative spirit shone in every project he undertook, including owning the Wood and Glass Shop in Glenwood Springs. For John, craftsmanship was not just a skill but an art—a reflection of his love for designing, creating and perfecting.

John was actively involved with the Silt Community, serving on the Board of Trustees and as the Mayor of Silt from 1996 to 2006. Cars and craftsmanship were the love of John’s life… until he met Svetlana. They married in 2004. 

They moved from Silt to Grand Junction, CO in 2014. John spent the next 10 years diligently renovating their property. He designed and completed his ideal workshop and was intensely involved in the renovation of their home. Every detail was thoughtfully planned and executed - mostly by John himself. If John didn’t have the right tool for a job, he made one.

For over two decades John worked for Alpine Bank. He was head of the Maintenance department and later the Facilities Officer. John passionately contributed to the Alpine Bank Green Team’s success including resource and energy saving programs, environmental protection and sustainability. 

John is survived by beloved wife Svetlana, siblings Mary Faith Evans, Annie Evans Gaddy (m. Doug Gaddy), nephew Will Essin (m. Rebecca Essin), Nieces Erin Essin Campbell (m. Page Campbell) and Meghan Evans (m. Robbie McCall) and their children. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Jim Evans. Family, countless friends, co-workers and neighbors will forever cherish his memory and his wry sense of humor. 

John’s life was a testament to courage, hard work fired by passion, and the pursuit of his dreams.  Though this race has ended, his legacy will continue to inspire and uplift us all.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks for donations in John’s name to Hope West Hospice whose care and compassion helpedthe family through John’s final days. 

The Celebration of John’s Life will be held at a later date.