Robley Evans

Dr. Robley “Rob” E. Evans, 75, of Bluffton, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025, at his home with the love of his life, Therese, by his side.

Dr. Evans was born on July 3, 1949, in Union City, Indiana, to Emerson and Harriet (Herbst) Evans. He graduated from Portland High School in 1967, then attended Ball State University before graduating from Indiana University School of Dentistry. He moved to Wells County in 1975 to practice at the Caylor-Nickel Clinic. In 1985, Dr. Evans started his own private practice. He retired in 2014 after nearly 40 years of dentistry.

Dr. Evans was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Bluffton, where he served as a past session and trustee member. He was a member of the Indiana Blacksmithing Association, Indiana State Cancer Society, Rotary, Indiana Dental Association and American Dental Association, and was a volunteer examiner for the American Radio Relay League. 

Dr. Evans was a very talented blacksmith and found his new passion later in life creating ham radios. He graciously offered his time and talents to Kate’s Kitchen and many mission trips throughout his life, his favorite being a two-week trip to the Congo with his wife Therese. He was looking forward to his annual fishing trip this fall to Canada with friends.

On Feb. 28, 1976, Dr. Evans and Marie “Therese” McDonough were married. They created a beautiful life together and were married for 49 years.

Survivors include his wife, Therese of Bluffton; two daughters, Tara Marie (Scott) Meyer and Natalie Elizabeth (David) Brege, both of Fort Wayne; and eight grandchildren, Hallie, Wellesley, Ava, Marlee, Scarlett, Jameson, Jaxson and Quinnleigh, who lovingly referred to him as “Bop.”

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother Rod Evans.

Visitation will be held from 2 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 28, 2025, at the Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home Bluffton.

Funeral services will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at the First Presbyterian Church in Bluffton with the Rev. Terry Epling officiating.

Burial will take place at a later date at Elm Grove Cemetery in Bluffton.

Memorials may be made to Congo Helping Hands and may be directed through the funeral home.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Lemler family of Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton. 

Friends may share condolences with the family at thomarich.com.