Evan David Boyer of Terre Haute passed away on February 16th, just weeks after his 69th birthday. He was born in Berea, Ohio on January 28, 1957 to Martha Ann and Merle Sheldon Boyer.   

Evan graduated from Terre Haute North where he was a standout athlete on the swim team, holding school records for the 200-yard and 500-yard freestyle events. After graduating high school, Evan received certifications in Auto Mechanics, Auto Body Repair, and Heavy Equipment Operations at Ivy Tech Community College. He also completed an Associate’s degree in Mining Operations Technology.  Evan’s pursuit of knowledge was not for economic gain, but to understand how things work and how things are done.

Evan loved being outdoors.  In addition to maintaining the grounds as an area gardener for Indiana State University (ISU) for almost two decades, he had extensive gardens at home, and loved sharing his vegetables, seeds and bulbs, with family, friends, and neighbors.  His interest in nature extended into the community as a prominent environmental advocate in the Wabash Valley, leaving a legacy of stewardship.  He was the Vice President of Programs and a board member for Ouabache Land Conservancy and led community initiatives including leaf collection to promote composting and reduce landfill waste. He also collaborated with ISU students on various environmental sustainability projects. In recognition of his hands-on approach to Urban Forestry, Evan was named the 2018 Volunteer of the Year by TREES Inc for his efforts focused on invasive species removal, trail maintenance, and boundary marking at local nature preserves. He will be remembered as a man who loved working in nature to ensure a greener future for Terre Haute. 

Evan will be buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, near the ISU baseball field, where he was invited to throw the first pitch for a game against Ball State in appreciation of his efforts to create and maintain a pristine playing field.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to TREES Inc. in his memory.