Samuel Mark Evans

Samuel Mark Evans passed away on October 1, 2026, at the age of 75.

Sam was born on October 31, 1950, in Downey, Idaho, to John Owens Evans and Gladys Christensen Evans. A “Halloween Baby,” he was the 10th of 11 children.

When Sam was four, his family moved from their farm on the Downey Flat to Malad, where his parents purchased Oneida IGA Grocery, which they later converted to Jax Snax. The family lived above the store, which became a big part of Sam’s childhood. He grew up working, playing sports, hunting, fishing, and spending time with his brothers, sisters, and friends.

Sam was a talented athlete and excelled in baseball and basketball at Malad High School, where he earned the nickname “Rabbit.” He earned 10 varsity letters, helped Malad win four consecutive district baseball championships, and earned First Team All-State honors in basketball. He later attended Ricks College on a basketball scholarship.

Sam went on to attend Idaho State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Secondary Education. His career took several different paths over the years. He worked in manufacturing and management with Bucyrus-Erie, owned and operated Camperland in Pocatello, worked in the automotive industry, and later returned to the heavy equipment industry. His work took him throughout the United States and to several places around the world.

Sam married Carolyn, and they later divorced. Together they had two children, Hilleri Dawn in 1978 and Clinton Dean in 1983. Hilleri later married Dru, whom Sam welcomed into the family.

Sam enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, sports, cars, and being outdoors. He had a particular love for Pontiac GTOs and spent years restoring a 1968 GTO. He was competitive, enjoyed telling stories, and had plenty of adventures that became stories of their own.

Sam is survived by his daughter, Hilleri; his son, Clinton; his son-in-law, Dru; his grandchildren, Maci, Ellie, and Daxton; his older brothers, Larry Evans and Dean Evans; and his younger sister, Kathy Garner.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Owens Evans and Gladys Christensen Evans; his brothers, Merrill, Glade, Norman, and Jack; and his sisters, Carolyn, Lucille, and Judy.