Khalil Dashey Evans

Born June 7, 1995, Khalil D. Evans was the firstborn of Walton (Tony) and LaDwyna Evans. The oldest of four, Khalil took his role in the family seriously from the start. His ever calm demeanor made it easy for Briana, Cailyn and Xavier to come to Khalil when they needed advice, a referee or just a listening ear.

The Arabic translation for Khalil is “friend” and he was a friend to everyone he met .Khalil believed in extending a smile and a helping hand to everyone without hesitation. He touched so many lives and delivered kindness, love and understanding to each of us. To know Khalil is to know his passion for music. Khalil would move in the womb when Tony would place headphones on LaDwyna’s stomach. At every opportunity he participated in music-based youth opportunities at church and in the community. He attended Ft. Hayes Career Center for Music Production while attending Ft. Hayes High School where he also earned a seat on their award-winning Chamber Choir. He continued his musical growth throughout his years, releasing an instrumental album entitled Auxiliary on all major streaming services in September 2019.

Beginning at age 9, Khalil looked forward to attending Ohio State’s Life Sports camp each summer and eventually worked for the program as a camp counselor. Khalil attended Columbus State Community College before moving along with his Aunt Keona to Phoenix, Arizona with the full support of his family to experience a broader life and explore new things. He enjoyed nature and sunsets and would often hike the beautiful mountains of Arizona. Before long those hikes became mountain-side picnics with his future wife, Denietra Vance. On April 4, 2018 Khalil called his family to inform them of the much anticipated birth of their beautiful daughter, Khali Anne. Khalil adored Denietra and Khali and catered to their every need. He worked hard to provide for them while attending classes at Mesa Community College. Khalil was called home on September 29, 2019.

Khalil is survived by his wife, Denietra Vance-Evans; daughter, Khali Anne Evans; parents, Tony and LaDwyna Evans; great-grandmother, Louise Ahmad; paternal grandparents, Joan Wood, Emmet (Geraldine) Evans, and Jesse Wood; maternal grandparents, Nathan (Delores) Appleby Sr., David L. Carter; siblings, Briana Evans, Cailyn Evans, Xavier Evans; aunts and uncles, David (Jessica) Carter, Zula (Nathan) Pierce, Nathan Appleby Jr., Keona Appleby, Alan Evans, Michael Penn, Emmet Evans Jr., Ida Evans, Tina Evans, Chenise Ballenger-Crump, Qwann Wood, Arnika Clemens, special great- aunt Sharon (Alfred) Smith, and a host of cousins and great aunts and uncles.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Khalil Dashey Evans, please visit our floral store.