Gary R. 'Bear' Evans

Gary R. "Bear" Evans, 69, passed away Thurs., March 14, 2019, at Wyoming Medical Center in Casper, Wyo., following a short illness.

He was born on July 28, 1949, in Casper, Wyo., to Richard and Marge Evans. He attended Casper schools and graduated from Kelly Walsh High School in 1967 and entered the U.S. Army and served a tour in Vietnam.

After the army he returned to Casper and married Linda Pavelka and had two sons, Jasen and Ryan. He worked in the oil fields, bartending and construction. In 1979 he moved with his family to Thermopolis to help his parents with their purchase of Mac's Bar. After Mac's Bar, he worked as lineman, with D & A Construction, and at the Grass Creek Coal Mine. Most recently, he was a heavy equipment operator with GK Construction in Thermopolis.

He was a member of VFW Post 2281 and also served as President and Chaplain of Eagles Lodge aerie 1884. He loved hunting, fishing and visiting with his many Thermopolis friends.

He is survived by his sister, Rita; brother-in-law, John; sons, Jasen and Ryan, stepchildren, Cayla, Shila, Adam and Jason; 11 grandchildren; two nieces; and one nephew.

He was preceded in death by his lifetime partner, Donna Lapp; his parents; and sister, Dee Ann Taylor.

A celebration of life will take place June 8, 2019, at the VFW in Thermopolis.

Memorials may be made to the VFW Post 2281, 302 Broadway, Thermopolis, WY 82443.