Michael A. Evans

Michael A. Evans age 74, of Gowen, passed away Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at home. He was born October 11, 1950 in Grand Rapids, the son of Charles G. & Esther Marie (Molinsky) Evans. He was a printer in the printing industry before he retired and was the best there was.

Michael was a man who lived big, loved deeply, and left behind a legacy built with his own two hands—and a lot of heart. A proud Gowen local, Michael passed away peacefully surrounded by family, leaving this world a little quieter, a little less hilarious, and with a few more unfinished projects in the garage and around the yard.

He loved his family, a good round of golf, and a well-timed euphemism. He was famous among loved ones for his sayings—like “You got to get the big picture,” “The main thing is not to get excited,” or a classic “Git ‘er done”—which somehow made any situation feel a little lighter and a little more manageable. He was a man who could fix just about anything and build even more, despite never having a college degree—his mind was always engineering, creating, inventing like the Masters. He truly was the original MacGyver.

Michael could build a house from the ground up and then wire it, plumb it, insulate it, and lay the floors himself. From homes to pole barns to furniture, he especially loved woodworking—often crafting pieces from the very trees on his land. He was never wasteful, always resourceful, and took pride in reducing, reusing, and recycling long before it was trendy.

He once bought a golf course after hitting a hole-in-one on it, because of course he did. That course became a chapter of joy and community for him, and when that era passed, he continued his passion by crafting a putting green and driving range right on his beautifully kept property—home to the greenest grass in all of Gowen.

Michael was strong yet soft-hearted, rugged but regal, devoted and dependable. His loyalty to family ran deep, and his generosity knew no bounds. Whether you were family, friend, or stranger on the side of the road, if you needed a hand, he was the first to offer it—usually before you could finish your sentence.

He was a dad to many, a helper to all, and someone whose presence left a lasting mark on anyone lucky enough to meet him. We are proud beyond words to call him ours. Insert his famous eye roll.

Michael is survived by his wife Amy; children Ronda (Michael) Carrico of Clifton, Virginia, Kelly (Kenneth) Darmer of Lansing, Michele Evans & (Jose Del Valle) of Greenville and Alicia Drum of Grand Rapids; five grandchildren Gage Evans & (Taylor), Joseph (Ashley) Carrico, Alexandra Davis & (Daisy), Christopher Carrico and Mason Evans-Garcia Da Silva; three great grandchildren Cassius, Indie and Cooper Evans; brother Donald Evans of Gowen and his sisters Kay Thomas of Grand Rapids and Colleen Corner & (Mike Thiel) of Grand Rapids. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Carol Talsma, Nancy George, Linda Cunningham and Sherry Evans and his brothers Richard Kramer, Carl Evans and Russell Evans. A Celebration of Life Luncheon will start at 1 PM Sunday, June 15, 2025 at his home 12510 Fargo Street, Gowen, Mi 49326. Complete obituary is online at www.marshallfuneralhomeinc.com where you can leave a message of condolence. Arrangements are at the Marshall Funeral Home, Greenville.