Obituary of Kenneth Henry Evans P.h.D.

Kenneth Henry Evans, 95, died on June 24, 2023 at Kingsway Arms Nursing Center in Schenectady, New York. Born in the small farming community of Lindy, Nebraska, on February 22,1928, he was the son of Burt and Ida (Haug) Evans. He was brought up and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. He received his elementary education in the local country school and graduated from Bloomfield High School in 1946. Having farmed with his father for several years, he was inducted into the U.S. Army in 1953 and served as a field wireman in Germany. Upon his discharge from military service, Kenneth enrolled in the University of Nebraska, majoring in technical agronomy. He excelled as a student, being elected into several academic honorary societies. He earned his Master of Science from the University of Nebraska and his PhD from Purdue University, both in Agronomy. Kenneth’s career took him and his family to Iran and India for six years, where he served as an agronomist for the Agency for International Development. Upon returning to the US, he worked for the remainder of his career in the Plant Variety Protection Office of the Department of Agriculture in Beltsville, MD, retiring as Commissioner in 1995. Kenneth had a love and loyalty to his family and a deep appreciation for the farm life. He enjoyed carpentry and repair of furniture and machinery, interests he instilled in his grandchildren. He was also a person of broad humanitarian interests, including support of indigenous tribes, women’s rights, and social justice. Kenneth is survived by his wife of 65 years, Marilynn (Petersen); sisters Enid Kollars of Sioux City, IA, and Claryce of Somerville, MA; two sons, Jon (Alix) of Accokeek, MD, and Brian (Cathleen) of Amherst, NH; daughter Jane Lipkin (Don) of Schenectady, NY; grandsons Matthew (Hedieh) of Austin, TX, Michael of Austin, TX, Patrick Evans of Denver, CO, and Mark Lipkin of St.Louis, MO; granddaughter Elaine Lipkin of Madison WI, and stepgranddaughter Elizabeth Fallon of Amherst, NH. He was predeceased by his parents, his older brother Bert and sisters Pauline Lemke and Bernadine Stake. Kenneth will be interred in the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville, NY. In lieu of floral arrangements a donation can be made to the Center For Rural Affairs, |PO Box 136, Lyons, NE 68038] or to the Schenectady City Mission. Arrangements are by the Jones Funeral Home, 2020 Central Avenue, Colonie, NY. To leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.jonesfh.net.