Evan James Kimball

Evan James Kimball, age 18, passed away on Monday, October 12, 2015 at MidMichigan Medical Center in Midland, MI from injuries sustained from an automobile accident on Saturday, October 10, 2015. He was born in West Branch, MI to Ward and Lydia (Hill) Kimball on June 24, 1997. Evan graduated from Ogemaw Heights High School in 2015 and was currently attending Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, MI. Evan was an avid baseball player. He started playing baseball at the age of four with the West Branch Little League, moved on to play for OHHS, and finally made the Aquinas College baseball team which was his dream come true. Evan also had a love for football. He was a member of the Ogemaw Browns while attending elementary and middle school and then played for Ogemaw Heights during his high school years. Evan had a passion for wrestling and wrestled for the Ogemaw Bulldogs during his childhood. He played basketball at Surline Middle School and was a guard for the Ogemaw Heights Falcons.

Evan was a mentor to many children in the community and gave back his time, talents and treasures. He enjoyed coaching and umping baseball, refereeing football, and was an NEMWA Wrestling Association Official. He was a member of the Ogemaw Heights High School Theatrical and Drama Program where he was in a number of productions, including the Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre. He was also a 4-H member for Swine and Poultry and member of the Youth Advisory Council (YAC). Evan enjoyed sports: baseball, basketball, football, hanging out with his friends, spending time with his family, was avid deer hunter and loved being outdoors.

Evan was a hero in the eyes of those who loved and cared for him. Evan was known for his beautiful blue eyes, his smile, his big heart, and his silly sense of humor. He was always giving back to the community and to those that he had never met. Evan made the decision to register with the Gift of Life, as an organ donor, and has given himself selflessly to help others continue their journey here on Earth through the Gift of Life. #evanstrong

Evan is survived by his parents, Ward and Lydia Kimball of West Branch; brother, Gale Kimball of West Branch; the love of his life, Elizabeth Getzinger of West Branch; grandparents, Ron and Nancy Kimball of West Branch, and grandfather, Richard Hill of West Branch; aunts, Nikki (Tim Dunn) Cassavoy of Swartz Creek, MI and Amanda (Rollin) Williams of Lansing, MI; uncles, Rick (Karen) Brabo of West Branch and Bill (Nex) Hill of West Branch; cousins, Autumn (Darrin) Hunter, Kerri (Ben) McBride, Connor Cassavoy, Jesse Williams, Paxton Owens, and Chazz Williams; and numerous other great aunts, uncles, and extended family and friends. He is also survived by the Getzinger family with whom he has a special bond. He is preceded in death by his great grandparents, Gale and Winnie Kimball; great grandmother, Phoebe Locke; great grandparents, Carl and Treva Locke; grandmother, Anne Hill; and grandparents, Keith and Linda Swisher.

Visitation at Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch will begin on Saturday, October 17, 2015 from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, October 18, 2015 at 1:30 p.m. in the gymnasium at Ogemaw Heights High School with visitation beginning at 12:30 p.m.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Evan Kimball Family to be used for youth athletics.