Evan was a very unique kid and he is greatly missed. If you have any fun stories about Evan, either send them to me or leave them in a tribute to him.

In January of 2008, Evan was blessed with a second wonderful beautiful niece.  Her name is Miley.  Evan now has 2 beautiful little girls to watch over.

Evan and Simon
When Evan was 9 years old, we adopted 2 kittens.  One of them was black and we named him Samson.  The other one was part siamese and we named him Simon.  Simon adopted Evan as his person.  Whenever we were home with the cats, Simon was usually with Evan.  He even slept with Evan on the nights that Evan was at my house.  In the spring of 2005, we found a lump on the back of Simon's head.  Evan and I took him to the vet and found out that there was really nothing that could be done for Simon other than to make sure that he was loved.  Evan was so upset and wanted to know why it had to be his cat.  We took him home and made sure that he had love and attention.  The lump continued to grow.  By the middle of July the lump was as big as a baseball and we knew the decision was coming.  After Evan's accident, I knew that Simon would not make it long without Evan here so I made the decision.  Simon was taken to the vet, put to sleep then cremated.  His ashes are buried with Evan.  

Evan the Tumbler
Evan went to the Quincy Gymnastics Center in Quincy, IL and took gymnastics.  He was invited (along with his sister) to be on their tumbling team.  Being on the tumbling team meant that he went to tumbling meets including the state meet.  When you went to the state tumbling meet, if you placed in the top 10, you had to move up to the next level.  The first year that they went to state (1997), that was not a problem but the second year (1998) he did not feel that he was ready to move up to the next level.  So, instead of talking to us about it and possibly not going to the state meet, he decided to do the worst that he could possibly do so that he would not have to move up.  He got 10th!!!  That was the last that he competed in tumbling meets.  He continued to tumble but did not go to the gym or compete.  When he tumbled, he tumbled off of things.  You know, things like cars, houses, tall slides, etc.  What a character!!!

Who's bringing the beer?
My side of the family does not do much if any drinking.  In fact, my parents don't drink at all and Evan was well aware of this.  One year Evan and I went to Walmart to pick up what we needed to bring to our family Christmas.  I called his Grandma to ask her a question.  Evan had a really unique, fun sense of humor.  He grabbed the cell phone from me and asked her whether we were suppose to pick up the beer.  From that day on, that was their private joke and periodically I would catch one of them discussing who was suppose to bring the beer.

The Battery
One day Evan, Shannon and I were in Walmart.  We were walking along heading to what we needed with Evan slightly behind us.  For some reason I turned around and Evan was carrying a car battery!!!  He had the most innocent expression on his face.  Someone had put it down somewhere and just left it so he decided to pick it up and just carry it around for awhile!!  He of course got the reaction that he wanted from me and his sister, a lot of laughter.

Evan and Bob
Evan has a friend named Bob that has a very unique personality just like Evan did.  You really didn't want Evan and Bob to get bored when they were together because you had no idea what the 2 would come up with.  One day at Bob's house they decided to make a movie of themselves being sumo wrestlers!!!  (Both boys stood about 5'7" and weighed about 140-145.)  Another time, they were at my  house and Shannon was video taping them after I went to bed.  You can imagine my surprise when I was watching this particular video after the accident and got mooned by both boys!!  Another time, they tied a rope to an empty 20 oz. plastic Coke bottle and Evan held the rope out the window all the way from Bob's house to his Dad's house, dragging the Coke bottle behind them.  (About 3 miles.)  Just a few days before the accident, they were at Evan's dads house.  They filled up an ice cube tray with water and added something to each section.  One section had a Simpson toy another section had a penny, etc.

My memories of Evan
by Vicky Mitchell

Evan was at our house so much that at times I would tease him by telling him I was going to claim him on my taxes. He called me Mom, never anything but Mom. He was quick with a hug & a smile to say hello & goodbye.

Evan was like one of my own kids. There was many mornings that I'd go downstairs, turn on the light & see Evan sacked out on my couch. I even did his laundry at times. He & Bob shared a lot of clothes & I'd often ask Bob where a particular shirt was & he'd say, "Oh, Evan liked it & he wore it to school."

I remember getting up one morning & couldn't find Evan, Bob & Tommy. I went outside to find them all huddled under blankets on the trampoline. The looked like they'd been up all night.

My parents got a kick out of Evan. Whenever Bob took him down to their house, he'd hug Mom & call her Grandma. He & Bob had so much fun camping in the woods.

Sometimes I felt like Bob was Evan's personal chauffer. He was always running him here & there. When Evan went to summer school, he'd call Bob to pick him up. Once he called & siad he needed to get out of there. (School wasn't over for another hour or so.) Bob told him he needed to stay until school was over.

I remember Bob telling me how one of Evan's old girlfriends was "stalking" him. They'd park a block away from Evan's house & climb over fences to come in from the back undetected.

Dick & I sponsored Bob & Evan on a Tec - Teens Encounter Christ. When I asked Evan if he wanted to go, he said yes immediately. Dick was on the team too. I took the boys out to North Campus & they were totally pumped. I went out there Saturday night to surprise them. Dick, Angie & I wrote Evan a letter & my Mom wrote Evan a letter too. They were so excited when they came home. They told me they were going to go out to the mall, put on their crosses, hug people & tell them about Jesus. I told them it was a nice thought but people might think they were nuts! After TEC, I had to take Evan & Bob to Hobby Lobby to buy some "cool" beads to make necklaces for their crosses. I think we looked at every type of bead before they finally made up their minds. They came right home & started to work on them.

Bob & Evan doubled dated for the prom when Bob was a senior & Evan was a junior. They brought the girls out here & I took pictures on the deck. They looked so cute - their shirts were the same - Bob in blue & Evan in red. Their ties were the same pattern - Bob's was blue, black & tan & Evan's was red, black & tan. I ironed their shirts so they'd look nice.

Bob loved going over to Don's house. He & Evan were into making models & Bob is pretty proud of their collection. He said that after Evan died, he made up his mind to finish all the models they had started.

We got a siamese kitty in May 2005. Bob named him Jackie Chan - Jack for short. Evan fell in love with Jack the first time he saw him. Every time he left my house, he'd try to smuggle Jack out under his shirt or jacket. I'd say, "Evan you're not going anywhere with my kitty, hand him over." Evan would put him down & laugh.

Evan & Bob were always hungry. Evan would always say yes when I asked him if he wanted to stay for supper. I never had a problem getting him to clean his plate.

Evan & Bob loved to go swimming at Wavering & check out the "chicks". They liked to walk around our neighborhood at night & talk. They were like brothers. They'd buy each other stupid presents like black barbie dolls.

Bob lost his best friend when he lost Evan. He cried for a long time, wishing he could have changed things. He felt honored to be a pallbearer for Evan but I knew it was one of the hardest things he has ever had to do. After everybody left the funeral home after Evan's visitation, Bob, Evan Klauser, Tommy, Caleb & Josh stayed & cried by Evan for 45 minutes saying their goodbyes.

The morning of the funeral I took pictures of the boys in their pink shirts. They said they wore pink because it was Evan's favorite color. They looked so handsome & so serious & sad. I know Evan was looking down from Heaven on his buddies with a big smile.

I will always remember Evan as a fun-loving, big-hearted, loving boy who was like a second son to me. I thank God for the time we got to spend with Evan & get to know him. We know that some day we will see him again & I look forward to having him introduce me to all his new friends in Heaven.

A LETTER FROM HEAVEN
author unknown

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say.
But first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I am with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through.
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you.
It's good to have you back again, you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, They'll be here later on.
I need you here badly, you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you...in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years.
Because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
If I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
But together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was my philosophy and I'd like it for you too;
That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain;
Then you can say to God at night..."My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented...that my life was worthwhile.
Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile.
When you're walking down the street and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go...from that body to be free.
Remember you're not going...you're coming here to me.

MEMORIES OF A SPECIAL SON
Judith Bulock Morse

The angels gathered by your side
Then gently led you home
To a place of matchless beauty
Where you will never be alone

But loving thoughts of you, dear son
Will always linger here
And the memories we once gathered
Will never disappear

 And you will be remembered
Each day right from the start
And always be forever near
For you live within our hearts

IF TEARS COULD BUILD A STAIRWAY
author unknown

If tears could build a stairway,
and memories a lane,
I would walk right up to Heaven
and bring you back again.

No farewell words were spoken,
No time to say "Goodbye",
You were gone before I knew it,
and only God knows why.

My heart still aches with sadness,
and secret tears still flow,
What it meant to love you -
No one can ever know.

But now I know you want me
to mourn for you no more;
To remember all the happy times,
life still has much in store.

Since you'll never be forgotten,
I pledge to you today -
A hollowed place within my heart
is where you'll always stay.

THE BROKEN CHAIN
author unknown

We little knew that morning that
God was going to call your name.
In life we loved you dearly,
In death we do the same.

It broke our hearts to lose you,
You did not go alone;
For part of us went with you,
The day God called you home.

You left us peaceful memories,
Your love is still our guide;
And though we cannot see you,
You are always at our side.

Our family chain is broken,
And nothing seems the same;
But as God calls us one by one,
The chain will link again.

GOD'S LENT CHILD
unknown author

I'll lend you for a while
a child of Mine, God said--
For you to love the while he lives;
And mourn for when he dies.

It may be 1 or 2 years
or forty two or three;
But will you, till I call him back,
Take care of him for me.

He'll bring his charms to gladden you
and - (Should his stay be brief) -
You'll have his loving memories to
solace for your grief.

I cannot promise he will stay,
Since all from earth returns,
But the lessons taught below
I want this child to learn.

I've looked the whole world over
in search for teachers true;
And through the things that crown Life's
lane - I have chosen you.

Will you give him all your love?
Nor think the labor vain?
Nor hate Me when I come to take
This Lent child home again?

I fancied that I heard them say,
"Dear Lord, Thy Will be done"
for joys Thy child will bring,
the risk of grief we'll run.

We will shelter him with Tenderness,
We'll love him while we may --
And for the happiness we've known
Forever grateful stay.

But should Thy angels call for him
Much sooner than we've planned,
We'll brave the grief that come
And try to understand

For: Evan & Jacob
by
Lori Meuth

Suddenly, the news came in, your life on earth
had now come to an end.
I don't know why God needed you then,
there must be a reason that I can't comprehend.
I pray to God that I could have been here,
to keep you away from that tragic end.
I feel the pain of not being here,
but I know that I will see you again.

Now that you're in heaven, God will take care of you.
Your troubles are all over and your heart is now free.
My pain goes on though you see,
my best friend has gone away 'til eternity.

In my dreams, I can still see all of the memories,
I know now that's all there'll ever be.
Your voice haunts me now, I hear you everywhere.
I wish I would wake up and you were still here.

I think of all the times we had,
through years together we had planned our lives.
We knew that we would be friends til the end.

Our time was cut short so tragically,
but we will be reunited some day
in all of heaven's glory.

Somewhere over the rainbow
is my best friend.
I know in this life I won't see you again,
but I wait, my friend, for the day to come,
I will be with you again at heaven's door.