VAN BUREN — Ryan Ray Evans, 53, of Van Buren, passed away at 12:53 p.m., Tuesday, August 29, 2023, at Blanchard Valley Hospital, Findlay. He was born on June 7, 1970, in Findlay to Thomas and Gail (Mossbarger) Evans of Van Buren. He married Monica Gazarek on April 21, 2020, and she survives.

Ryan is also survived by his son, Payton Evans of Maryland; daughter, Gabrielle Evans of Hawaii; sister, Amanda (Christopher) Podach of Napoleon; niece, Grace Hanzel; nephews: Rudy (Amanda) Hanzel and Gavin Podach; and 2 great-nephews. He was preceded in death by grandparents Lavon Stefanka, Rudy Stefanka, Vernal Evans, Ruth Schmoldt, and Robert Schmoldt.

Ryan graduated from Owens with an Associate’s Degree in Ag Business and was a lifetime farmer. He spent many years as a business partner with his father. Ryan was known for marching to the beat of his own drum, and he didn’t let others influence him when he was in the business mindset. Ryan was an exceptionally tough man and an extremely hard worker that went so far as to modify his own farm equipment and had his lifetime best crops this season while fighting hard. Ryan had hobbies he loved including Disc Golf, taking care of his cat with whom he had a special bond, One Eye, and his deer Fluffy, Fussy, and Sassy.

The family would like to thank Orion Cancer Care, Armes Cancer Center, Bridge Palliative Care, Dr. Lutz, Dr. Cole and Dr. Trobaugh for all of their wonderful care of Ryan over the last couple of years.

A funeral service will be held at 5:00 p.m., Saturday, September 2, 2023, at SMITH-CRATES FUNERAL HOME, North Baltimore, where visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. prior to the service. Senior Minister Bill Cook will officiate.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Armes Cancer Center, Findlay. Online condolences may be expressed at www.smithcrates.com.