Dale Francis Evans, 76, peacefully passed away at home on September 3, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born on September 21, 1949, Dale was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Mary (Follett) Evans, and his two brothers, Charles and Richard Evans. Dale is survived by his wife of 55 years, Carol (Hinchcliffe) Evans, his sons, Thomas (Kristen), Paul (Sarah), and his five cherished grandchildren, Kathryn, Leah, Benjamin, Megan, and Taylor.

Dale was a graduate of South Kingstown High School and life long resident of South Kingstown, R.I.. He began his career as a butcher in Evans Market in Kingston alongside his brothers, Bill and Dick. It was there that he met the love of his life, Carol. He attended the Ohio School of Meat Cutting. He went on to work and retire from Star Market in Massachusetts. He proudly provided for his family and devoted his time outside of work to his community and friends.

In 1978, Dale became a volunteer firefighter as a private under Captain John Richmond for the South Kingstown Union Fire District. As a founding member of Station 9 in West Kingston, Dale rose through the ranks to become Captain in 1984. Dale traveled to New Orleans to aid in the Hurricane Katrina relief efforts in 2005, and he spent many summers volunteering at the Washington County Fair and South County Balloon Festival. Following retirement from active fire service, Dale remained a Life member of Station 9 and cemented his legacy as a respected mentor and friend.

Dale’s life was spent with family at its core. At the home Dale built, he served as grill-master for many cook-outs in the backyard and spent quiet evenings on the front porch with Carol and a dog (or two) by his side. Dale was Papa to his five grandchildren, and his greatest joy was having them sit at his kitchen table to play a game or have a treat. He showed up for all of their milestones and events and quietly supported their achievements. To his grandchildren and many nieces and nephews, Uncle Dale gave tractor rides and fishing lessons, always with a twinkle in his eye. For many summers, Dale enjoyed a vacation at the beach house in Scarborough, Narragansett, or on Cape Ann in Massachusetts. Some of his favorite times were out on the ocean fishing for striper with his brothers-in-law, sons, and nephews.

Dale’s friendships were lifelong, and he was fortunate to spend many great times full of games and laughter with all of them. There were cornhole tournaments in the backyard, annual fishing trips to Long Lakes, Maine, and adventures with the “West Kingston Oldies” that kept Dale surrounded by the many people he enjoyed and cared about.

Friends and relatives are invited to calling hours on Friday, September 25, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia St., Wakefield. A service celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, September 26, at 11:00 a.m. at Avery-Storti Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the West Kingston Fire Department Station 9, 390 Fairgrounds Rd. P.O. Box 233, West Kingston, R.I. 02892, and Hospice Continuum Care of Rhode Island, 1350 Division Rd., West Warwick, R.I. 02893.