Melvin Lynn Evans Jr.

Melvin Lynn Evans Jr., 78, of the Hillsboro community passed away April 2, 2015 at his home.

A memorial service will be held Monday, April 6, 2015 at 4:00 p.m. at Sonrise Church 1682 N. Adair Cornelius, OR 97113.

Melvin was born on March 14, 1937 in Evangeline Parish, LA. He was the eldest of four children born to Melvin and Helen (Grandberry) Evans Sr. In 1939 his family moved to Oregon where he grew up and received his education. He graduated from Morgan City High School with the Class of 1956.

Following high school, Melvin worked for Boeing from 1957 until 1960. He met his future wife, Bonnie, through family and after a one year courtship they were married on June 21, 1958 in Hillsboro, OR where they made their home. In 1960 Melvin joined the military and was stationed in Korea for three years. He and Bonnie divorced in 1962 due to his long absence abroad. He was honorably discharged in 1963 and moved to Louisiana.

He began working for Volkswagen as an auto mechanic in 1963 until 1968 when he joined the Shell Oil Company. During his time with Shell, Melvin also owned and operated a small mechanic shop until 1975. After 34 years with Shell Oil, he retired in 2002.

Melvin moved back to Oregon after retiring and he and Bonnie reunited after 40 years. They were remarried June 25, 2005 at the Senior Center in North Plains, OR. Following their marriage they made their home in Hillsboro.

Melvin was a backyard tinkerer. He loved to work on cars, motorcycles or anything with an engine. Melvin enjoyed gardening and photography. He was always up on "current events" and loved to have long discussions about politics and world news. Melvin loved to read. His favorite books were Western novels, Time Magazine, Popular Science, or anything technology based.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Francis "Eddy" Evans; and step-daughter, Cheryl Sanders.

Melvin is survived by his wife, Bonnie; children and their spouses, Karen and Jeff Goodell of Madras, OR, Tanya Evans of Berwick, LA, and Michael Evans of Patterson, LA; Step-children, Roberta and John "Jay" Brown of Washougal, WA, Lana and Sean Wright of Damascus, OR and Roy Stewart of Hillsboro, OR; four grandchildren, Brandon Steck, Aaron Steck, Louis Woodworth, and Anthony Evans; and two great grandchildren, Jayden Steck and Myka Steck.