Robert L. Evans, DVM, 97, of Manhattan, Kansas, and formerly of Marysville, Kansas, passed away on April 3, 2026, at his home.

A funeral service was held Saturday, April 11, 2026 at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church in Marysville, with burial following at St. Gregory’s Catholic Cemetery.

Robert was born on July 22, 1928, on a farm near Tecumseh, Nebraska, to William and Edna (Bates) Evans. He was united in marriage to Eunice Kerner.

Robert enlisted in the United States Navy near the end of World War II. Following his service, he began veterinary school in Colorado before being called to serve during the Korean Conflict. After his honorable discharge, he attended and graduated from the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine. He practiced in Centralia, Kansas, and David City, Nebraska, before moving to Marysville, where he continued his veterinary career. Later, he served as a Federal Meat Inspector with the United States Department of Agriculture until his retirement in 1998.

Robert enjoyed staying active, often hitting 150 golf balls each day. He also enjoyed bird hunting, traveling, and visiting senior centers where he could share meals and spend time with friends. Even into his 90s, he continued to travel and enjoy new experiences.

Survivors include his sons, Tom Evans of Blue Springs, Missouri, Jim Evans of Topeka, Kansas, Richard Evans of Prairie Village, Kansas, Mike Evans of Topeka, Kansas, Tony Evans of Liberty Township, Ohio, and Robert Watts of Marysville; daughters, Debi Rockwell of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Chris Freed of Manhattan, and Jana El-Koubysi of Topeka; son-inlaw, David Mayer of Manhattan; sister, Barbara Lunzmann of Nebraska; 19 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Eunice, on February 24, 2007; daughter, Susi Mayer; infant daughter, E. Mary Evans; grandson, Brian Freed; and siblings, Harold Evans, Betty Kuhl, and Geraldine “Gerry” Lyles.

A memorial fund has been established for the Marshall County Agency on Aging. Contributions may be sent in care of Kinsley Mortuary, P.O. Box 147, Marysville, Kansas 66508.