Donald S. Evans, 96, died Sunday, Jan. 16 at Oak Valley Hospital.

He was a native of Santa Ana. He lived in Oakdale the past 13 years.

Mr. Evans worked for Van Pelt Fire Truck Manufacturing for 15 years.

He was an expert craftsman. He built many homes and loved making toys for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His hobbies kept him very busy.

He is survived by his wife, Helen Evans of Oakdale; children, Joan Casper of Grass Valley, Cathy Kindred of Oakdale, Susan Ruthman of Oakdale, Ann Austin of Grass Valley and Irene Eddy of Grass Valley; nine grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 22 at New Elm Ridge Cemetery, Grass Valley. No visitation.

Oakdale-Riverbank Memorial Chapels in charge of arrangements.

The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader

Jan. 19, 2011