Don was born January 1, 1929. His parents were David
L. Jr. and Margaret Evans. He worked in the Evans store
and on the farms in his adolescent years. Farmwork was a
challenge due to the shortage of manpower during World War
II. He enjoyed the opportunity and 'persevered'.
Don still had time to experience and enjoy life growing up in
Malad. He attended Malad schools and participated in
band and athletics. Don was a four-year drumajor in the
marching band. He led the band in the 100th year
"Days of '47" parade in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Don was involved in four different sports. He attended
Stanford University and played football. Don graduated
from the University of Idaho in accounting/business
administration.
Donald married Demona Facer and has enjoyed 54 years of
happiness. They have three happy and successful
children.
Don was involved in water development as a member of the
boards of local irrigation companies. He was
President of the Water Users Association of Idaho in
1963-64. Don was on the Board of Directors of the Idaho
Soil Conservation Commission. He served on the Malad
City Council. He is past-president of the Malad Chamber
of Commerce. He is a member of the Eagle and Masonic
Lodges.
After college, Don returned home to become an active
partner of Evans Brothers with his two older
brothers. He assumed the responsibility of developing
the cattle operation. The immediate concerns were to
build a cattle feedlot and increase the cattle range
permits. Don had the challenge to learn how to buy and
sell cattle. The next move was to expand the land
holdings. Don negotiated the purchase of the two-mile
Reese property and the 7000-acre Kasiska ranch. He and
his partner, John V., divided the farm management. Don
oversaw the cattle operation and John the farm cropping.
They supported each others endeavors. The 12,000-acre ranch
sustained 1,500 head of cattle. Don still owns and
operated the original farm, homesteaded in 1870.
Donald has always supported his brother John's political
career. He has always believed that honoring and
furthering the family name was a benefit to present and future
generations. Don oversaw all the family's operations
while brother John was Governor of Idaho. Don managed
the Evans Department store and was trustee of John's
property. The store is the oldest continuous operating
store in Idaho. The store Incorporated in 1877 and D. L.
Evans became involved in 1884. The minutes book is
continuous from 1877.
Don was appointed to the Board of Directors of D. L. Evans
Bank in 1953. He became Chairman of the Board and has served
for fifty years. The Bank has grown from $850,000 to
$4,000,000 during his watch. He was also active in the
family's other bank holdings - J.N. Ireland Bank and Cassia
Bank.
He proudly encourages the younger members of the families
to assume an active part in the management of D. L. Evans
Bank. In that way, both the family and the Bank will
grow and prosper. In semi-retirement, Don enjoys writing
and preserving Malad Valley stories on the Computer.
(We hope to post some of his writings soon.)
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