Lyle Eugene Evans, devoted husband to Arletta, loving father to six children and their spouses, and proud grandpa of 35 grand and great-grandchildren, passed away peacefully with family by his side on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
Born and raised in Marion, IN, Lyle was the youngest of two children to Noah and Thelma Evans. He spent his youth helping his father on the family farm, playing on the school basketball team, and nurturing his growing passion for classic cars. He graduated from Van Buren High School in 1957. During his senior year, he met the love of his life, Arletta Bundy Evans. The two were married in 1959 and began building a busy life full of children, sports, 4-H, and community service. They were married for 65 years when Arletta passed away in 2024.
A tinkerer at heart, Lyle was always coming up with something to work on or re-engineer. It is no surprise he grew into an experienced machinist and expert in tool and die. He moved his young family to Berne in 1964 to work for CTS. Later, he rose through the ranks over 26 years at General Motors in Quality Control. His automotive passion and experience also led him to work at the Indy 500 time trials with his father-in-law, Herman Bundy, as well as building champion soap box derby cars for his four sons.
In addition to working full-time and staying immersed in the interests of his many kids and grandchildren, Lyle had a long list of hobbies and passions his family will cherish remembering. He was a welcome fixture fishing from the banks of local lakes and ponds, setting up his hunting blinds with care, raising rabbits, tending to his vegetable garden, and cheering on IU basketball. He also remained a loyal supporter of South Adams sports and athletes.
Lyle’s greatest legacy is his love for his wife Arletta, his large family, and his faith in the power of prayer. He and Arletta were active members of the First Missionary Church as youth sponsors and Sunday school teachers, and they participated in several mission trips to Haiti. Lyle was also proud to have served as the church custodian for many years.
Lyle’s optimism, childlike curiosity, and joyful spirit will be missed dearly by his children, Rick (Robin), Brian (Carolanne), Mark, Matt (Allison), Amy (Sean), and Heather (Fred); his 17 grandchildren and their loving spouses; and his 16 great-grandchildren (with two more on the way).
Lyle didn’t know a stranger, welcomed anyone into his home, and truly had a heart of gold. He is now at peace, holding the hand of his beloved wife, Arletta, who preceded him in death.
The family welcomes friends and loved ones to pay tribute to Lyle’s life on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at the First Missionary Church in Berne, IN. Visitation will be held from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Rev. Rick Schwartz. Burial will follow at MRE Cemetery in Berne.
About the Author
