William Charles Evans

William (Chuck) Charles Evans of Twain Harte entered into heaven peacefully Saturday, June 25, 2022. 

Chuck was born May 11, 1932 in Fairfax, Oklahoma to William Corbett and Beulah Faye Evans. In 1935, Chuck’s parents and six siblings left their farm in Oklahoma and began the journey cross-country to California. Trusting they would find a better way to provide for their family, they put down roots in Madera.

When Chuck was in high school, he and a couple of his buddies drove to a popular roller rink in Fresno. He had his eye on one gal in particular, maybe because she held a carton of ice cream and he was starving after putting in a full day of work. That young girl was Ruth W. Elam (Willy) who kindly shared her ice cream with him and a beautiful love story began. Chuck and Willy got married on June 11, 1950 after graduating high school and were married for 72 years!

Chuck enlisted and served in the United States Air Force, moving he and Willy to Washington D.C. He became a father of two daughters, Jana and Jeanne, who were born at Bolling Air Force Base. Chuck was discharged from the Air Force in 1956 and the family returned to Madera where his son David was born. Chuck began his lifelong work in the grocery business in 1956. 

Chuck was Senior Manager for Safeway stores in many valley towns and eventually in Sonora. He always carried with him a passion to own his own business. After 23 years working for Safeway, his dream came true in 1979 when he purchased his first grocery store in Twain Harte. It quickly became a successful family business. He and Willy later built and opened Twain Harte Market in 1982. Twain Harte Market was more than a grocery store; it was a gathering place for the community. Chuck could be found greeting customers, listening intently to their life stories, and never hesitated to share his faith in God with them. It's what he gave all credit to for the success of his life, marriage, and business. Together he and Willy served and cared for their community until retiring in 2007.

Chuck took on challenges head on in his life, from incredible work ethic, owning his own business, his growing up years and later fighting his illness. His strong faith and love for God was evident in his life, his pursuits, and desire to share his passions and experiences with others. Chuck served and led on many various boards and organizations. The one that truly captured his heart was the ministry of Young Life International. His focus to help, develop, and financially support was focused in Tuolumne County, Russia, the Former Soviet Union, and most recently Singapore.

Chuck had a great sense of humor, a love for country music and dance. He'd often break into song imitating Elvis Presley while singing to Willy and taking her hand to jitterbug. He was known to never pass up homemade ice cream and corn on the cob.

Chuck enjoyed hunting and fishing with his brother Dale, and his son in law Gary. Sharing stories enthusiastically and with much laughter from these trips never stopped! He enjoyed the simple pleasures of kicking tires with good friends and enjoying a good cigar along with a nice glass of red in front of a fire. Chuck was always up for adventure and travel.
   
Chuck is survived by his wife Willy Evans, his two daughters, Jana Bumgarner and late husband Leroy of Twain Harte, Jeanne and husband Gary Parsons of Twain Harte, and his son David and wife Stephanie Evans of San Diego. Also surviving are his grandchildren, the late Katie Parsons, Hannah and husband Cody Johnson of Austin, TX. Tatyana and husband Alex Harmer of Burbank, Nate and Jon Bumgarner of San Luis Obispo, and many nieces and nephews. Chuck is the youngest of six children survived by two sisters, Marie Adkinson of Ventura and Virginia Wilton of Gustien. Two brothers, the late Dale Evans and Lloyd Evans and his sister Alogene Jester of Madera.

To honor Chuck’s life and legacy he will be laid to rest with a service being held Monday, July 11, 2022 at 11:00 am at Arbor Vitae Cemetery, Madera, under the direction of Jay Chapel.