Obituary for Jean Evelyn Chandler Evans

Jean Evelyn Chandler Evans, 89, of Safford, passed away Jan. 4. She was born in Oneida, Kansas on June 5, 1929, the daughter of Harlan Ellsworth Chandler and Breta Vivian Ford Chandler.

Jean grew up on a farm north of Topeka, Kansas, attending Rochester Grade School and graduating from Seaman High School in 1947. Following graduation, she attended Clark’s Business School also in Topeka. On Feb. 15, 1948, she married Vernon Evans.

Jean Evans

From 1948 until 1988, she worked as a church and banking secretary, as well as an office manager for Wilcox Mobile Home Sales.  During this time, she also served in the Kansas Legislature for ten years. In 1994, the couple moved to Safford, where she became a member of the First United Methodist Church and the Safford Women’s Club. In June of 2014, her husband Vernon Evans passed away.

Jean is survived by her twin daughters, Janice and Joyce Evans, of Safford; and grandson Zachary Matthewson, of California. 

A Memorial service will be held Friday, Feb. 15, at 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Safford with Pastor Mary Dotson conducting.

Arrangements are under the direction of McDougal’s Caldwell Funeral Chapel & Gila Valley Crematory.  Online condolences may be extended at www.caldwellfuneralchapel.com.