Charles Evans Sr.

Norwich— Charles “Chuck” Reggie Evans Sr., 79, of 49 Butternut Drive, Norwich, died peacefully surrounded by family and friends at the Hospital of Central Connecticut Monday, July 20, 2015.

Born Aug 28, 1935, Chuck is preceded in death by his loving wife, Corinne; and his son, Eric, who was taken from him on Sept. 11, 2001.

He leaves behind four sons, Charles Jr. of Norwich, Doug of Hillsdale, N.J., Gary of Keller, Texas and Robert of Sudbury, Mass.

Chuck was a self-made man, proud and incredibly determined till the end. Born in Lindsey, Okla., in the middle of both the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression, he developed his remarkable resolve and work ethic on his family farm, where he stayed till he enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17. There he served a full career, then retired as chief petty officer in 1971.

He met his wife, Corinne, in Groton in 1956; being a native of Norwich, they later decided to settle here in 1963, where they raised their family and stayed till their passing. Chuck was the classic father who loved his family deeply and taught them respect, hard work, integrity and self-dependence. No job was too big or too small for Chuck to manage on his own or with the help of his sons. Chuck could do anything, and did. Traits he passed on to all he leaves behind.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 24, 2015, at the Church and Allen Funeral Home, 136 Sachem St., Norwich and again on Saturday from 9 until 10 a.m. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 25, 2015, at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will follow in Maplewood Cemetery, Norwich.

Please visitwww.churchandallen.com to leave an online tribute or condolence.