Jesse Evans

Former music professor Jesse Evans died Nov. 18. He was 89.
Evans was born in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, and earned an undergraduate degree in economics from Monmouth College. He earned a master’s degree in music theory and music education from Ohio State University and a Ph.D. in music education from Indiana University. He spent 10 years teaching in public schools and taught at Cornell College from 1965 until 1983. He then taught at Augustana College in Rock Island, Ill., where he retired as professor emeritus of music.
Evans was named Iowa Music Educator of the Year in 1983, and founded the Chusei Koto Society, which performed for 25 years. He also directed the bell choir at South Park Presbyterian Church in Moline, Ill., for 10 years.
He is survived by his wife, Caroline Porter, three children, seven grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.