Allen Eveland

Allen Burl Eveland, 71, returned to his Father in Heaven on October 1, 2011, after a lingering illness, surrounded by his loving family. Al was born on August 21, 1940 in Rockport, Illinois, son of Norval "Bud" A. Eveland and Ruby Eveland. He attended schools in Illinois and graduated from St. Elmo in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. He continued his education in Jacksonville, Florida. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in Illinois and was stationed at Cecil Field in Jacksonville, nad assigned to the USS Saratoga, where he was a plank owner in his squadron. He married Martha Sue Caldwell and they had two children, Amelia and Matt. Marth and Al were later divorced. He then marries his loving wife, soul mate, and eternal companion, Belle, on February 25, 1973, in Dauphia Island, Alabama. Together they had one daughter, Kimberly Belle. Al and Isabelle were later sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple. Al was well known in the Eastern Idaho area for his work with the American Legion, NCOA, and Legion Riders. Caring for Veterans was a cause that was close to his heart, and he actively welcomed home soldiers, helped veterans of all branches and circumstances, helped their families, and helped raise awareness of the problems that veterans have. As a veteran himself, having served in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Saratoga from 1958-1963, he uniquely understood what veterans went through. Al led a very full and varied life. He raced anything that had a motor and a set of wheels or wings, and easily fixed whatever he managed to break. He was a pilot, a truck driver, a motorcycle rider, a deputy sheriff for Mobile, Alabama, an air traffic controller, an artist, a musician, a business owner and entrepreneur, an auctioneer, a mechanic, a husband, a brother, a son, a father, a grandfather, and a loyal and dedicated friend. He was accomplished at all of these things. He was preceded in death by his mother, one sister, his step-mother, and his father. Al leaves behind a loving wife and soul-mate, his eternal companion, Belle Eveland; his children Amelia Suzette and Matthew Allen (Sarah) Eveland, from a previous marriage to Martha Sue Caldwell Gruesser; and a daughter, Kimberley Belle Eveland from his marriage to Belle; five grandchildren: Travis, Ian and Dana (by Amelia), and David and Katriel Collier (by Kim); one brother: Charles Glen (Patricia) Eveland; and four sisters: Beverly Joyce Crawford, Shelby Jean (Philip) Bean, Connie Sue (Dale) Aldrich, and Cathy Diane Lisenby; several nieces and nephews, cousins, and many, many friends, and one spoiled little Shih Tzu named Buffy, who misses him terribly. His cocky grin, easy laugh, booming voice, massive bear hugs, endless charity, and twisted jokes will be missed by all who knew him. He is a dynamic personality that is surely making angels roll their eyes and try to find him something to keep him out of their hair. Funeral services will be held Friday, October 7, 2011, at 11am at Fremont Heights LDS ward, 1455 Gwen Drive. The viewing will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday evening, October 6, 2011 at Colonial Funeral Home, 2005 S. 4th Ave, as well as one hour prior to the funeral service at the church. Internment to follow at Mountain View Cemetery where Military Honors will be provided by the Pocatello Veterans Honor Guard We love you Al, Daddy, and beloved Papa. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.Colonial-FuneralHome.com.