• Features

Patios for Patriots: Local couple receive long overdue gift

• By Steve Huszai
• September 21, 2018
• 1234

It was a long overdue homecoming celebration on Sept. 15 for one Wooster man at his home, surrounded by friends and family.

“To have him be recognized and have this as a gift for him is just amazing,” Patti Evans said at her home during the celebration for her husband Shirl Evans, a Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart recipient.

Shirl Evans was honored by the Patios for Patriots nonprofit organization during an unveiling of their latest landscaping project for the Evans family.

“We really appreciate everything you’ve done,” Jason Geiser said at the Evans’ home on Little John Lane in the heart of Wooster.

Geiser, Todd Hershberger and the rest of the Patios for Patriots team selected Shirl Evans as their next veteran to honor with a donated backyard patio after Patti nominated her husband over two years ago.

Patti Evans said she nominated her husband while attending the 2016 Home and Garden Show at the Wayne County Fairgrounds. She thought it would be a great idea to honor her husband’s service to the nation, plus fix up their backyard. But during the vetting process, the family almost forgot about the project until they were contacted two months ago and work started.

“I never thought this would happen,” Patti Evans said, the first of many family members to get choked up during the unveiling ceremony. “I wanted him to be honored and to be recognized because too many Vietnam vets were never thanked for their service.”

“I’m just really surprised with it,” Shirl Evans said. “I always liked having people here.”

Patios for Patriots is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by Geiser and Hershberger, who own and operate their own local landscaping company. They wanted to give back to the community and developed the idea to honor veterans for their hard work and sacrifice to the nation.

After working in (sort of) secrecy at the Evans’ house, the group revealed a new fire pit, paved patio and retaining wall, and modern patio furniture. One patio table was even inscribed with the United States Army logo, the branch Evans served while in Vietnam.

The organization selected Shirl Evans after hearing his story. He was injured during his tour in Vietnam in 1969-70 by shrapnel following a mortar blast. But he saved several other men who were also injured before he was transported for medical attention. He also dealt with personal issues as he learned his mother was battling her own health issues. She passed away shortly after his return home.

“Most of the Vietnam guys never had a coming-home party,” Shirl Evans said after seeing the redesigned patio at his Wooster home of 23 years. “This is kinda like that.”

He and his wife admitted there was bitterness following his tour in Vietnam. But he is glad he served in the United States Army during the war.

“We thought we were going there for a noble cause,” Shirl Evans said. “Vietnam I think ended up being more of a political war, so it’s a totally different feeling now. I’m not ashamed that I went, but I’m not sure that it was the best use of our resources at the time.”

Despite the injury and personal issues Shirl Evans dealt with following the war, he managed to get married and have a family. He spent countless hours working hard to provide for his family, giving back to his community through volunteer service, and is active through his church. He also works with several local veterans’ organizations.

“My dad to me is Superman,” said Shirl Evans’ son Derick, who got emotional during the ceremony honoring his father. “There’s nothing he can’t do in my eyes. That man will give you the shirt off of his back. I’m just extremely proud.”

“For the longest time my dad couldn’t share what Vietnam meant to him. I got a welcome home. He never did,” Shirl Evans' son Eric said. “I feel like it’s what he deserves.”

Shirl and Patti Evans said they look forward to spending time at their new backyard patio with neighbors, family and members of their church.