Ronald L. Evard
Ronald L. Evard, 75, residing in South Bend, passed away at 11:55 p.m. Wednesday, July 8, 2015, at Memorial Hospital of South Bend, where he was admitted on Tuesday. He was born May 10, 1940, in Columbia City, a son of the late Frank L. and Edna (Mohn) Evard, and has lived in South Bend most of his life. Ron graduated from James Whitcomb Riley High School where he played basketball all four years.
In 1963, Ron enlisted in the United States Army during the Vietnam Era, serving his country until 1969, when he received an honorable discharge.
On Jan. 10, 1969, at the First United Methodist Church, Plymouth, he was united in marriage to Joy Redinger Swoverland who survives. They enjoyed 46 wonderful years together.
He is also survived by a daughter: Donna J. Romano, Lakeville; three sons: Edward L. (Crystal) Swoverland, Mishawaka; Mark A. (Judie) Swoverland, Avon; and Wesley D. (Kim) Evard, Granger; and “adopted” daughter: Susan Bowron, Crown Point. Also surviving are 11 grandchildren: Nicole (Nathan) Manigualt; Joshua Swoverland; Derrick Romano; Nathan Swoverland; Craig Romano; Lance Swoverland; Danielle Romano; Reilly Evard; Faith Swoverland; Nolan Evard; and Ashenafi Swoverland; sister: Rochelle (Bill) Dolde, Edwardsburg, Mich.; brother: Thomas (Debbie) Evard, Elkhart; sister-in-law: Laurie Evard, Blue Bell, Pa.
Ron was preceded in death by a granddaughter: Mykah Swoverland; and his brother: William Evard.
Ron retired after 30 years as Fabrication Manager for Hull Lift Truck, and previously worked as an ironworker for Dearborn Fabrication for 22 years. He was a member of Trinity Evangelical Free Church in South Bend, the Plymouth Moose Lodge #741, Northern Indiana Blue Grass Association, Tri-State Engine and Tractor Association, American Legion Post 363, Lakeville, and served as a Boy Scout Leader for 13 and a half years. He and Joy loved to go camping, a good game of euchre or “two” and have enjoyed spending the past nine winters in McAllen, Texas. More than anything, Ron was crazy about his grandchildren and always enjoyed being with them and following all of their many activities.
Ron also loved his extended family and friends. He never met a stranger. In fact, he once got off the phone after a thirty-minute conversation and Joy asked, “Who was that?” He answered, “I don’t know; it was a wrong number.”
Services celebrating the life of Ron Evard will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 15, at Trinity Evangelical Free Church, South Bend. Rev. Craig Clapper will officiate. Graveside services and burial will follow at Southlawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 14, at the Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, South Bend, and one hour prior to services on Wednesday at the church.
Expressions of sympathy on behalf of Mr. Evard may be offered to Riley Children’s Hospital, Indianapolis or to Trinity Evangelical Free Church. Online condolences to the family may be sent to www.palmerfuneralhomes.com