Ralph Dean Evelin

Ralph Dean Evelin, 84, of Palestine, IL, died at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2020, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his family. He was born January 28, 1936, in Robinson, IL, the son of Perry Evelin & Bessie (Osborn) Evelin, both of whom preceded him in death. He married Shirley (Gilardi) on February 14, 1976, and she preceded him in death on January 26, 2013. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Kenneth Lee Evelin, Allen Edward Evelin, (both in infancy) and Albert & wife Treasy Evelin; by his sister, Ruby Stifle; by his brothers-in-law, Glen Stifle and Lawrence Alspach; and by his great-grandchildren, Haylee Ramsey and Jensen Cooper. He is survived by one son, Henry "Hank" Evelin (Olney, IL); two daughters, Deana Tracy (Palestine, IL) and Connie Hunsaker (Palestine, IL); by his step-children & their spouses, Angie & Bill Tovo, Johnny & Melinda Napier, and Mike & Sherri Napier; by 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; by two sisters, Doris Alspach and Linda & husband Bob Smith; as well as several nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Ralph grew up in the Porterville area and attended Grassy Holler and Porterville Grade Schools before enrolling into Oblong High School. He would go on to work for a number of local businesses, including the Ettelbrick Shoe Factory, Dolan's Gas Station, and the Robinson Street Department, before becoming the Robinson Street Superintendent, a title he held for 14 years. He eventually found employment with Rumpke, with whom he worked as a mechanic for 12 years before finally retiring in 1998. Throughout his working years, he also served his community as a volunteer firefighter, and had to put out three fires the day his daughter was born! Retirement found him either deer hunting or working out of his garage, Ralph having tinkered on countless cars and lawnmowers for friends and neighbors (many times free of charge) before losing his eyesight. Though he was able to do less and less as he aged, one thing that he never lost was his innate ability to give his kids a hard time! They will remember their father as a man who gave and gave without thought of self. He was, by all accounts, the type of guy who would take the shirt off his back to be a source of help in an increasingly selfish world. May we all take a page from his book, remembering that life isn't meant to be lived inwardly, but to be given away to your fellow man. Ralph deserves a memorable tribute. However, in this uncertain time, the family and the staff of the Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine understand that attending such a service may not be in your best health interest. With this in mind, a memorial service will be set for a later date. In honor of his love of animals, friends and family are encouraged to make a donation to the Crawford County Humane Society (911 E Wilkin St, Robinson, IL 62454).