Donovan Charles Evers

Donovan “Don” Charles Evers, of St. Petersburg, FL, formerly of Carbondale, IL passed peacefully the afternoon of December 13th, 2022 at the age of 97. He was listening to Christmas music in his room.

He was preceded in death by parents Sam and Mary Evers of Mounds, IL and beloved wife of 74 years, Elaine (Dassing) Evers of Cairo, IL.

He is survived by two daughters: Donna (Evers) Bowlin of Homosassa, FL & Gail (Evers) Herring of Port Charlotte, FL two granddaughters: Beth Bowlin of Yountville, CA and Laura Bowlin of St. Pete Beach, FL, one great-granddaughter Israel "Izzy" Bowlin, also of St. Pete Beach, and long-time nurse and family-friend Semlali Fatiha.

Don was a devout member of the United Methodist Church of Carbondale and avid golfer. He was a prankster, card shark, and world traveler who had the gift of never forgetting a person's name or face. He enjoyed dancing, playing golf, eating other people's pies, and spending time with his friends and family. He was distinguished, reserved, and dutiful, also mischievous, playful, and competitive, a beautiful enigma. 

Our gregarious Donovan was legend made into reality: he stormed Omaha Beach on D-Day, his 18th birthday, was a decorated Purple Heart WWII veteran who escaped Nazi captivity twice during deployment overseas as a skilled sharp-shooter in the US Army, survived living in a fruit tree, served proudly as an Illinois State Police Officer for 30 years, also survived a golf course lightening strike, and having Covid-virus in his 90's. He kept ticking. His survival added depth and mystery to the hero character he played in the lives of those closest to him. He was above all, incredibly devoted to his family, and especially protective of his loving wife Elaine, with whom he shared a long fulfilling adventure.

Our hero will be missed and fondly-remembered. His memory will continue to inspire us to living a full life at all costs. 

Burial will be at Sarasota National Cemetery on Thursday December 22nd at 10:30am. Wear something blue.

In lieu of flowers/plants, the family requests donations be made to Wounded Warriors.

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