Evan Grover Nielsen

Evan Grover Nielsen, 70, of Flint, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home on August 8, 2026, after a courageous five-year battle with appendiceal cancer. Born September 24, 1955, in Logan, Utah, Evan was the son of Ross A. Nielsen and Louise W. Nielsen. He spent his early years in Hyrum until age 11, when his family moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1973. He served a two-year full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in German-speaking Switzerland. Upon returning, he attended one year at Louisiana State University before transferring to Brigham Young University, where he graduated in 1981 with a degree in Business Management. On October 3, 1980, Evan married the love of his life, Karen Kuhre Nielsen, in the Salt Lake Temple for time and all eternity. Their marriage of nearly 46 years was a beautiful example of love, partnership, and faithfulness. They had two wonderful children, Chris and Katie who he loved and encouraged to be strong in their faith and diligent in their studies. Evan had 8 beautiful grandchildren who are happy, healthy, and faithful for which he was so grateful. Evan enjoyed a successful 32-year career with Brookshire Grocery Company in Tyler, Texas, retiring as Vice President of Advertising and Marketing. He was instrumental in guiding the company through significant technological advancements, particularly in computer graphics and evolving methods of communication. Later, Evan worked as a Mortgage Loan Officer and also continued his father’s research on insect pests, also providing many reptile owners with tasty bug treats. He really loved hosting an Airbnb in his final years. A lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Evan served in many important callings, including Ward Mission Leader, Bishop, Stake President of the Gilmer Texas Stake, and as the first Stake President of the Tyler Texas Stake. He also served as second counselor in the Texas Dallas East Mission Presidency. He played a key role in the construction and remodeling of numerous church buildings in Smith County and across East Texas, including construction of the Tyler Stake Center in Bullard, the Palestine and North Tyler chapels, and renovations in Gilmer, Athens, and Tyler chapels. He was a talented musician, serving as a pianist and organist, and accompanied countless congregations and soloists over the years. He had a deep passion for studying and teaching the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ and found great joy in serving others and in doing missionary work. Evan loved spending time outdoors. His favorite pastimes included yard work, cutting down tall trees, and operating his tractor. He was also an avid journal keeper, maintaining daily entries since his teenage years — leaving a rich written legacy for his family. Evan lived a life of dedication — to God and Jesus Christ, his family, his church, his work, and his community. His friendly personality, organized leadership skills, strong work ethic, positive attitude, musical talent, love of the gospel, cheerful service, and love of people will be remembered fondly by all whose lives he touched. He will be greatly missed. In Evan’s own words, “I testify that God lives, that His beloved son, Jesus Christ, resurrected from the dead and that the Gospel of Jesus Christ gives us hope for the future. I pray that we can all strive to do our part to be sure we are worthy and live a Christ-like life that will enable us to join our loved ones who have passed on before us, and that we can live eternally together with our Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ.” He was preceded in death by his parents, Ross A. Nielsen and Louise W. Nielsen. He is survived by his loving wife, Karen Kuhre Nielsen of Flint, Texas; his children: Chris Nielsen and wife Sarah Scoville of Spring, Texas, with children Max, Cooper, Owen, and Calvin; and Katie Terry and husband Will Terry of Cedar City, Utah, with children Grace, Ben, Jack, and Hunter. He is also survived by his six siblings: Amy Krambule of Logan, Utah; Dorothy Woolley (husband Bob) of Layton, Utah; Doug Nielsen (wife Marlene) of Hyrum, Utah; Nedra Anderson (husband Tim) of Logan, Utah; Irene Anders (husband Paul) of Vineyard, Utah; and Ralph Nielsen (wife Laura) of Hyrum, Utah; along with many dear friends and extended family members. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, August 21, 2026, at Stewart Family Funeral Home in Tyler. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Stake Center located at 23000 Robert Walker Road in Bullard, Texas. There will be a brief amount of time at 9:30 a.m. for greeting the family before the service. Burial will follow at Rose Lawn Cemetery in Tyler. The family would like to thank Dr. Marc Usrey and the dedicated staffs of the HOPE Center of Tyler and MD Anderson of Houston for their expert care and support. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints missionary fund found on the church’s website, churchofjesuschrist.org. Also, donations may be made to The HOPE Cancer Center of Tyler and MD Anderson of Houston.

Evan Grover Nielsen

September 24, 1955 - August 8, 2026