Nick "Taz" Evans (42) of Cowden

Nick Evans, known affectionately by his nickname Taz, passed away at the age of 42 on January 16, 2024, at HSHS St. John's Hospital in Springfield, Illinois.

Born in Effingham, Illinois, on December 7, 1981, to Harry Sr. and Lorretta (Honaker) Evans, Taz's warm spirit and infectious smile touched all who knew him.

Taz grew up surrounded by the love of his family, including his parents, who reside in Cowden; his sister, Melissa (Tony) Pigott of Shelbyville; his brother, Harry Jr. (Cindy) Evans of Mode; and his adoring nieces and nephews, Dylan, Olivia, Abel, Serenity, and Caden. He also leaves behind his cherished grandparents, Frank and Marge Osborne of Pana, along with numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins who will fondly remember his kindness and zest for life.

Taz was preceded in death by his grandparents, Charlie and Charlotte Evans and Patricia Honaker, who no doubt welcomed him with open arms.

Taz's life was a testament to the power of joy and positivity. He embraced the world with open arms and found beauty in every corner, a lesson he imparted to all who had the pleasure of his company. His unconditional love was a beacon of happiness, and he exemplified how to take pleasure in life's simple moments. Taz's passion for the outdoors was evident in his love for hunting, fishing, and mushroom hunting. He took great pride in raising chickens and selling their eggs, sharing the fruits of his labor with friends and family. Beyond his outdoor pursuits, Taz was an enthusiastic supporter of the St. Louis Cardinals, his zeal for the game as unwavering as his loyalty to his favorite team. His spirit and energy during the baseball season brought joy to those around him, and his absence will be deeply felt in the stands and in the hearts of fellow fans.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 21, 2024, in Lockart-Green Funeral Home in Cowden with Pastor Don “Satch” Thomas officiating. Burial will follow in Mound Cemetery in rural Cowden. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. For those who wish to express their sympathy in the form of a gift, the family kindly requests funeral fund donations and casual attire. Your generosity is deeply appreciated in this difficult time. In keeping with Taz's love for life and nature, we take comfort in knowing that he is now at peace in the great outdoors of heaven, where the waters are always clear, the forests are full of life, and the Cardinals always win. May we all carry a piece of Taz's indomitable spirit within us, finding joy in the beauty of the world as he so effortlessly did.

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