Robert "Bob" David Evans

Robert "Bob" David Evans, 87 of rural Crook, Colo., was born March 21, 1929 in Haxtun, Colo., and died March 31, 2016 in Greeley, Colo.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, April 5, 2016, at 11 a.m. at the Sedgwick Community Presbyterian Church, Sedgwick, Colo. with Pastor Jack Norris presiding. Burial followed at the Sedgwick Cemetery.

Robert was born in Haxtun, Colo., the third of seven children to John David Evans and Helen Margaret (Nauman) Evans. While growing up during the Dust Bowl/Depression era, Robert helped with the daily chores on the family farm: milking cows, feeding chickens and pigs, farming with horses, and then driving tractors at the age of eight.

He attended grade school in a one-room country school until the 8th grade. Then, he attended Haxtun Schools and graduated in 1946. After graduating he continued to work with his Dad on the family farm. He also rented ground, farming on his own growing wheat.

On March 8, 1951, Robert was drafted into the United States Army. During his service in Korea, Robert was awarded the Korean Service Medal with 1 Bronze Star as well as the United Nations Service Medal. Robert was honorably discharged from active duty on Feb. 24, 1953, having obtained the rank of Corporal.

Robert came back from Korea to continue farming with his father and also on his own. He created the 7 U E brand and registered it with the Colorado Brand Board.

On Dec.1, 1957, Robert and Betty Marie Sherwood were united in marriage at the United Methodist Church in Haxtun, Colo. To their union, two daughters were born: Margaret Ann and Barbara Jane. Betty passed away Jan. 8, 2011.

During their lives together, the Evans family rented several farms in Northeastern Colorado, until 1971 when they finally purchased their own place on County Road 95 near the Jumbo Reservoir. Together, they farmed and ranched there for 40 years, raising cattle and hay.

Bob and Betty formed strong bonds with neighboring families, creating relationships within the agricultural communities of Crook and Haxtun.

Bob raised cattle, hogs, alfalfa hay, and other dryland crops. He loved his cattle with all his heart. He tried many breeds. During the past 25 years or so, his main focus for the cow herd evolved to the Charolais, Angus, and Galloway breeds. His goal was to find that special combination to produce the best quality meat. He fed out animals and sold them to loyal individual customers who raved about the quality and taste of the beef. When he sold cattle at the Ogallala Livestock Auction, his cattle were highly sought after and there was always a frenzy of bidding on them. Bob was a loyal customer of the Ogallala sale barn for over 35 years, and the owners always acknowledged his presence and the quality of his stock.

Over the past ten years, Bob has slowly turned over the work load of running the ranch to Barbara and Gary. He never officially retired from farming and ranching, though. Bob always wanted to farm longer than his own father who farmed till he was 85. Last year he was still driving his old 930 Case buggy top tractor, working his ground and planting crops at the age of 86.

In Bob's last days, his main concern was that his dog Brindle, his old momma cat Paws, and his herd of cattle were taken care of. He leaves behind a great legacy for his daughters, son-in-law, and granddaughter. His final wish was that they continue the good work he first started on his own ranch.

Robert was preceded in death by his father John David Evans; mother Helen Margaret Nauman

Evans; sister Etta Marie Dix; brother Harold Evans; and wife, of 53 years, Betty (Sherwood) Evans.

He is survived by his daughter Margaret Ann Evans of Sidney; daughter Barbara Rutledge and her husband Gary Rutledge of Crook, Colo.; granddaughter Candice Rutledge of Littleton, Colo.; sisters Mary Louise Evans and Lorraine Evans of Sterling, Colo., Marjorie Brewer of Holyoke, Colo., and brother Darrell Evans of Palisade.

Memorials may be sent to the Crook Volunteer Fire Department or Sedgwick Volunteer Fire Department in care of Barbara Rutledge; 33963 County Road 95; Crook, Colorado 80726.