Nile Don Evans

March 17, 1940 – April 23, 2024

Nile Don Evans passed away early Monday morning after a short battle with cancer. He was 84. Nile was born March 17, 1940, in American Falls, Idaho to Gene Slaugh and Don Harold Evans. Because he was born on St Patrick’s Day, he was named after an obscure color of green. He was the middle of 3 boys. Harold was the oldest and Mike was the youngest. His family moved around the western U.S. quite a lot when he was young, but he always considered the Lehi area of Utah his home base. He spent many happy summers there, learning and growing with the support of his paternal grandparents. He told many stories of working on the family farm, exploring the area with his brothers, and spending time with his cousins. His youth was also a challenging time, and his parents divorced while he was a teenager. After his family moved to southern California, Nile attended Paramount High School, where he played basketball and graduated in 1958. One of the stories he would tell from that time is when he was enrolled in a Boys’ Choir class. Dad said the teacher told him he could sing tenor. He reportedly asked,” Tenor?”, to which the teacher replied, “Yes, ten or eleven miles away from here!”

He was also in a car club called “The Dirty Thirty” and he loved hot rods from that era. It was during this time that Nile met the girl of his dreams. Sandra Joyce Frazier, known as Sandie, was a precious little princess to her parents and an only child. It can only be imagined what her parents thought when she brought home this handsome, wild teenager when she was barely 17. At some point, her parents realized she loved Nile and they loved him as well. Her dad helped Nile get a job at his place of employment, Harvey Aluminum in Torrance CA. He literally started sweeping floors and cleaning the shop, but proved to be a hard and loyal worker. Mom and dad were married on April 11, 1959, after dating for over 2 years.

They quickly started a family, welcoming Brent, Bob, Kathleen, Kym, and Vicki in 12 years. They also moved to Cypress, CA during this time, and it became his new home base. Following the lead of our mom, dad started to attend church after being inactive most of his life. This association led to many of his important adventures and relationships. He was an important part of so many activities with the youth, like river rafting, campouts, backpacking, and compassionate service opportunities. Many of those he influenced in a positive way have already reached out to say thanks and to relate how their lives were affected by his example, words, and deeds. He also enjoyed many long distance motorcycle trips and golfing with his friends.

In 1995, dad and mom moved to Mesa AZ, where Nile became the President of the Pimalco Plant for ALCOA. His loyalty to the company continued, as he traveled to oversee upgrades to aluminum factories all over the world. He ended his career as a Regional President for ALCOA, working alongside Ivy League MBA’s with only his experience and a drafting certificate from, Compton College. His life was a great example of someone who rises above his circumstances to achieve great things. He was humble and kind and a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.

He was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He served in many capacities, including Elder’s Quorum President, Bishop, and Counselor in the Cypress Stake Presidency. His favorite assignment was serving a temple mission with my mom in Nauvoo. He also served with my mom as an ordinance worker in the Mesa Temple. Nile is survived by his children, Brent Christopher (Kathy), Robert Nile (Tricia), Kathleen Michele Bunnell (Brad), Kimberlee Joyce Garrett (Steve), and Victoria Lynn Cornelius (Doug). He is also survived by 14 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. He was so proud of the of the long-lasting committed marriages of his family. He was also very proud of the dreams and accomplishments of his grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at Mountain View Cemetery, 7900 E Main St., Mesa, AZ, on April 27, 2024, at 2 pm. Please accept a sincere thank you from the Evans Family for all of the kindness and compassion you have shown to our parents over the years, and also to us at this time.