Evan Sorenson

LOGAN, UTAH: Evan J. Sorenson, age 90, passed away on 21 December 2012 peacefully at his home.

Ev was born in the small rural community of Central, Idaho on 02 March 1922. He was the son of Nina J. and

Thomas LeRoy Sorenson. In his early years, Ev and his brothers helped their parents in their farming and

ranching endeavors. At a very young age, he was taught the value of hard work as well as the importance of

living the golden rule. He continued to live and emulate these principles throughout his life. Even though the

family had little money, he learned to appreciate what he had. He often found relief from the daily struggles of

life by participating in sports. He was a gifted athlete and natural leader. He attended two room schools in Ovid

and Grace Idaho. Later, he graduated from North Gem High School in 1940 in Bancroft, Idaho.

After high school, he attended Idaho Southern College in Pocatello on an athletic scholarship. With the outbreak

of WW II, he enlisted in the Navy Reserve V5 Flight Training program. However, he was discharged due to a

sinus infection. In spite of this setback, coupled with his desire to serve his country, he volunteered for the

Army Air Corp. He trained in electronics, radio, and air gunnery techniques and was assigned as a radio gunner

on B-25 Bombers. Due to his physical and leadership attributes, the Air Force reassigned him to Tydall Field in

Florida as a Parachute Landing and Physical Training Instructor. While there he participated on the General’s

Football Team at Maxwell Field Alabama. He was honorably discharged from the Army in 1945.

He returned home and enrolled at Utah State Agricultural College (now USU). He was a valuable member of the

USU Basketball and Football teams. He was also active in student government. He married his sweetheart, Lois

Fryer, in the LDS Logan Temple in 1948. Following graduation, he taught and successfully coached at various

high schools in Idaho and Utah. His Preston Idaho basketball teams were state runner-up two years in a row. In

1956 he was given the opportunity to return and coach at USU. He worked with Cecil Baker, John Ralston and

LaDell Anderson. He was a demanding coach, yet earned the respect of his players and associates because of

his focus on excellence. In 1966 he became USU’s Director of Administrative Student Services. He remained in

that position until his retirement in 1987.

In spite of his persona as a demanding coach, Ev was a deeply spiritual man. He loved the Savior and served

faithfully for many years in various LDS church callings. He particularly loved young people. He served as Bishop

in a USU Single ward as well other leadership positions.

His pride and joy was his family. His special companion, Lois, was the love of his life. He protected his family

and taught them principles of hard work, honesty, self-reliance and service. The ranch at Bear Lake was his

solace. He loved the calm and contentment that this special place provided.

Evan was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Rao. His brother Newell (Garnet) resides in Lovell,

Wyoming. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Lois, and children, Craig (Eileen), Brad (Lauri) and Jean

(Kent) Tingey, 13 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

The family especially thanks all who have so graciously given of their time and support in helping Lois care for

Ev these past few years.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to: the LDS Perpetual Education Fund.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 28, 2012 at 11:00 am in the Logan 19th Ward chapel, 600 East 1200 North.

There will be a viewing held Thursday evening from 6-8 pm at the Allen-Hall Mortuary, 34 East Center, Logan and at the church on Friday from 9:30 - 10:30 am.

Interment at Logan Cemetery with Military Honors and a Tribute by the Sigma Chi

Online condolences at http://www.allenmortuaries.net/