Dr. Robert A. Evans
Dr. Robert A. Evans, affectionately known as “Dr. Bob,” passed away, concluding a life marked by service, compassion and devotion to his community.
He was born and grew up in Lackawanna, N.Y., son of the late Steven A. and Rose (nee Bartus) Evans.
Dr. Bob worked in Bethlehem Steel before pursuing his calling in medicine. He worked with his father, uncles and cousins while working his way through pre-med at the University of Buffalo. He earned his D.O. from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1961 and began practicing in Middlefield in 1962.
In 1963, Robert married Janet Spangler, “the best part of my life,” and together they recently celebrated their 62nd anniversary.
He was a dedicated physician and went on countless house calls and home deliveries. He was on staff at Geauga Hospital for most of his career. Dr. Evans also served as Middlefield Township trustee, jail physician, deputy coroner and physician to the Sisters of Notre Dame, Cardinal High School football team and Gilmour Academy.
By 1992, he had shifted his focus to geriatrics and long-term care, becoming a respected nursing-home physician and expert in geriatric medicine. He was the Medical Director for Care Corporation, Blossom Hill Care Center, Burton Healthcare, Chardon Care Center and Ohman Family Living at Briar.
Dr. Bob was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Cleveland Academy of Osteopathic Medicine for 54 years of service.
After retiring in 2015 at age 80, he penned Dr. Robert A. Evans: My Life as a Rural Doctor, a lively memoir filled with anecdotes from his years in rural medicine.
Dr. Bob was an avid sports fan of all indoor and outdoor sports. He treasured family trips to Disney and playing Pinochle with his grandchildren. He also enjoyed horticulture and mowing his lawn on his tractors.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Steven and Rose Evans; his brother, Dr. Albert Evans; and his sister, Helen Kujawa.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Janet; their three loved children, James (Eunice) Evans, Christina (Karen) Evans and Kevin (Denise) Evans; adored grandchildren, Paul, Sydney, Anne, Josh and Cole; many cherished nieces, nephews and friends.
A service to celebrate his life will be held 11 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, at St Lucy Catholic Church, 16280 E High St., Middlefield.
A private burial will be held in Middlefield Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in memory of Dr. Bob can be sent to the Hospice of Western Reserve, 17876 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44110; or Ohman Family Living at Briar, P.O. Box 277, Middlefield, OH 44062.
Dr. Bob’s legacy lives on in every life he helped bring into the world and every elder he cared for with dignity. He embodied the spirit of rural medicine—steadfast, humble and deeply human.
Sly Family Funeral Home assisted his family with his arrangements. Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.slyffh.com.
