Dave Ray Evans

Longtime Chickaloon resident Dave Ray Evans, 71, died May 28, 2011, from Alzheimer’s at the Two Sisters Assisted Living Home in Palmer.

A celebration of Dave’s life is at 7:30 p.m., Friday, June 3, at the Chickaloon Community Center, Mile 76.2, Glenn Highway. The Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Honor Guard will perform the military honors ceremony.

Dave was born Oct. 29, 1939, to George Richard and Verdie Delphia (Conner) Evans in Canon City, Colo. He joined the U.S. Navy and served for 10 years, then joined the U.S. Air Force for another 10 years before retiring. Dave moved to Anchorage in 1974 and retired to Chickaloon 1993, where he became a founding member of the Chickaloon Community Bible Church.

Dave is survived by his wife of 51 years, Bettie Evans of Chickaloon; daughter, Cheryl Evans of Wasilla; grandsons, Farrin (Elisa) and Cord Reid, both of Fairbanks.

The family wrote, “When one journey ends, another begins. Life’s journeys on earth prepare one for the other. Know that life eternal is just ahead. To live with God, the Eternal Father.”

Valley Funeral Home and Crematory cared for the family.