Herbert Leslie Eveland, 83, passed away on Saturday, October 16, 2021, surrounded by his family at home.
Born on May 17, 1938, in Champaign, Illinois he was the son of Herbert C. and Lucille (Richardson) Eveland. He attended Champaign High School graduating with the class of 1956. Herb would further his education by attending Manchester College receiving his Bachelor of Science Degree in 1962. He later obtained his Master’s Degree from Indiana University.
Herb met the love of his life at Manchester College, Diane Elyse Hand of Bremen. They married on June 4, 1961. Herb and Diane were dorm parents to over 100 college students. They served together for the Brethren Volunteer Service spending two years in Europe.
Herb began his teaching career in Argos before coming to Plymouth. He taught Art at Lincoln Junior High and Plymouth High School, for a total of 35 years. He received Teacher of the Year, Most Influential Teacher, and was a Lilly Grant Teacher recipient. He started the Computer Graphics Program at PHS and developed/led workshops for Indiana Art Teachers.
Herb will be remembered for his many contributions to Plymouth Athletics. He was the scoreboard operator for 50+ years and was inducted into the Plymouth High School Athletic Support Staff Hall of Fame. Herb’s active participation in high school athletics also earned him the Marv Wood Memorial Award.
Herb, known to many of his students as Mr. Eveland, was famous for his kindness, smile, and uplifting spirit. He is credited for inspiring many students, laying the foundation for others to follow. His legacy will live on through his family, friends, and students who he impacted most.
He enjoyed playing golf, creating artwork, frequenting garage sales, and spending time with his “grand brats.”
Herb was a long-time member of the Optimist Club, Heartland Artist, Retired Teachers Association, and Plymouth Church of the Brethren.
He is survived by his wife Diane whom he was married to for 60 years of Plymouth; son- Rodrick and Jackie (Frid) Eveland of Plymouth; son- Derek and Jodi (Hilliard) Eveland of Plymouth; siblings- Keith and (Diane) Eveland of St. Joseph, IL; LuAn Cunnington of Tolono, IL; brother-in-law- Rex Hand of Harrison, AR; sisters-in-law- Carol Hand of Kenny Lake, AK, and Alice Hand of Copper Center, AK; grandchildren- Ashley and (Matt) Schnitzer of St. Charles, MO; Emily Eveland and (fiance Evan) Parkhurst of Indianapolis; Cameron Eveland of Indianapolis, Bailey Eveland of Plymouth; Riley Eveland of Plymouth; Cooper Eveland of Plymouth; great-grandchildren- Grace and Liam Schnitzer; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Herbert is preceded in death by his parents Herbert and Lucille Eveland; inlaws- Bill and Donna Hand; brothers- Eddie Eveland; Pete Eveland; brothers-in-law- Dick Cunnington; Larry Hand; Terry Hand; and David Hand.
Visitation will be held on Monday, November 1, 2021, from 2-5 p.m. at the Plymouth Church of the Brethren, 1130 N Michigan St. Plymouth, IN 46563. Funeral services will immediately follow with Pastor Tom Anders officiating.
Burial will take place in the New Oak Hill Cemetery, Plymouth at a later date.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Eveland Art Scholarship c/o Diane Eveland, 11911 Ridgeview Drive, Plymouth, IN 46563, Kindred Hospice, 1476 W 18th St. Rochester, IN 46975, or Plymouth Church of the Brethren, 1130 N Michigan St. Plymouth, IN 46563.
Lynnora Rogers says
Dear Diane and family, John and I are so very sorry to hear about Herb’s passing. He was a very special person to both of us. He was one of my very favorite Sunday school teachers when I was a little girl. He was always a happy and kind man who I admired. John also has 40 plus years of memories with Herb, his adopted “Dad”. Herb was also a role model for John. Herb loved the Lord, and was not afraid to talk about it. You and your family will remain in our thoughts and prayers. Lori and John
Tracey Simpson Croteau says
So sorry to hear this. Herb was such a great role model for young people. Will never forget the youth group trip to Colorado. Much love to Diane and the family
Bryan Goodman says
Diane and family, we were so very sorry to hear about the passing of Herbert. We are thinking of you and your family and praying for you. There are so many wonderful memories of the college days and the college reunions. May theses wonderful memories help you through the difficult days. Hugs to you. We love you. Love, Richard and Bryan
Patricia Redman says
Sad news. Mr. Eveland was my favorite teacher going through school. He was loved by many. Rest In Peace, Mr. Eveland. 🕊🕊
Brad Drudge says
I’m very sorry for your loss .. Herb was a great guy and We always loved seeing him at all the Plymouth sporting events… great times …
All the very best… god bless
Brad and Stephanie Drudge
Christina Christman hunter says
So sorry for your loss Derek and to your family May god comfort you in this time of sadness!! 🙏🏼🙏🏼
Barb Mitchell says
Mrs. Eveland, I’m so sorry for your loss. Mr. Eveland was a very kind man. My condolences to all of your family.
Barb Mitchell
Jeanie Martin says
This came up in my fb and it took my breath away!! Some people you think will always be there!. He was one of those people for me! I so loved this man. He was sooo talented. So kind! He will be so missed! He and Diane used to come in the photo lab at Walmart. They were the perfect couple! I SO ADMIRED BOTH OF THEM!
Rest in peace sweet man!
Tracey and Jeff Miller says
We are sorry to hear this, Mr. Eveland was one of my favorite teachers in high school as well as my husbands. May God bless his entire family…
Jerry & Barbara Holem says
Our most sincere sympathy to you in the passing of Herb
May God’s love comfort you.
Anita Whitaker Spicer says
To Diane,
I am very sorry about your loss! You know I love your entire family. Herb was like an adopted father to me. He will be deeply miss!
Love you all,
James Jones says
Mr. Eveland made a lasting positive impression on me at PHS. He was a modest, unassuming individual who led by example, exhibiting a quiet confidence and imparting his values of tolerance and compassion while being engaged with, and supportive of, his students. He was a respected teacher who exhibited common sense and understanding in dealing with the problems inherent in trying to teach high school students. The world needs more people like Mr. Eveland. He will be missed.
Sarah Young says
Herb was a wonderful man. I enjoyed getting to know him and thought the world of him and his family. Sorry for your loss.
Rita Simpson says
We are so sorry to hear that Herb died. He was a great guy. I thought the obituary described him perfectly. What a great life he had. We will be praying for you Diane and your family. Praying that you will find peace .
Rita and Jack Simpson
Tracey Croteau
Kelley Doering
Dana Pierce
Laura Fritter Holdread says
Prayers 🙏 I remember him as one of the teacher
Christy Murphy says
I am so heartbroken to hear of Mr. Eveland’s passing. He was one of my favorite Teacher who truly inspired me towards art. He was the one person who helped me find my first career path. I was clueless as to what I wanted to do after graduation. He lead me to Graphic Design in 1991. 16 years I was a Designer.. all because he put the “spark” into my path. He and my Father (who had the same personality) instilled the desire to smile, be happy, and show joy to people. This world REALLY needs more like them. RIP Mr. Eveland. Prayers for Mrs Eveland, kids (family), family, and close friends. God Bless
Marilee Johnson says
Diane and Family, I am so sad to read this about Herb on Facebook. He was a wonderful man and I could tell a wonderful Husband and Father. Please accept my deepest Sympathy. Love Marilee Johnson
Diana Good Flory says
He was a great guy. He was always so nice to all the students
Cheri Hoffer says
I am so sad and sorry to see this. My deepest sympathies, Mrs. Eveland to you and your family. We feel he was our family too. Hugged me every time like I was still your neighbor on Walnut Street and he was pulling up in the hippie van. God bless Mr. Hess. He was so funny and kind and talented. What a wonderful couple. He gave our world so much.
Kevin and Donna Chaney says
Sad to learn of Herb’s passing. His artistic creativity was evident in countless high school plays and performances to give a drab stage a colorful life. Many remember Herb at the basketball score table but few new he also had a nice little hook shot on the court. Our sincere condolences during this time.
Tony Ross says
Diane,
So sorry to hear of Herb’s passing. I cannot express enough how wonderful that man was to me. Moreso, very supportive of my efforts, that meant the world to me. His kindness was unmatched. More importantly, you both have raised amazing kids and grandchildren. I pray for strength for you and the family. God Bless.
Tammy Ludwig says
Thank you for always believing in me when I didn’t believe in myself and supporting me in ways you may not have realized-you were inspirational and a kind and caring person who loved their community and family I was blessed to have known you and taken instruction from you, if I never said it, thank you, Mr. Eveland, for everything.
TraxlerCarter Wyndham says
My sincere sympathy on Herb’s passing. Not only was he a fellow Lilly Fellow and Manchester grad, but we spent several Lilly ETC Workshops in Terre Haute together until Lilly wouldn’t let the “retired” attend anymore. I also personally owe Herb a huge debt for being the wonderful “Computer Person” that he was, working with Carolyn Craig teaching the workshops in Computer Graphics for the State of Indiana. Without them, so many of my former students would never have been introduced to computer graphics and had the career choices which that class opened for them.
Herb was charming, fun, funny, and so likable. He will live on in so many stories from former students, and folks like me whose lives he touched and enriched. Bright Blessings on those he left behind.
Wyndham Traxler Carter (Mrs. TC)
Carroll Consolidated School Corporation, 1975-2010
Lilly Teacher Creativity Fellow, 1991 & 2002
Jon Davenport says
Diane & Family ,
Sorry to learn of your loss . Herb was an outstanding teacher and respected cohort .
Herb definitely was a great asset to both Plymouth High School and the Plymouth community . He will surely be missed .
Jon & Nancy Davenport
Terri Nagel says
Our heartfelt condolences Diane, Herb was such a wonderful, fun loving and helpful contributing member of AEAI Executive Council. His beautiful heart and fun loving attitude was a joy to behold and his contributions to conventions and our council too many to number. He also livened up the Lily Fellow Workshops with his jokes and good natured humor. We will miss him but he finally gets his heavenly reward, Rest In Peace dear friend. Terri Nagel
Barb klapp says
Diane and family. I am so sorry and saddened by Herbs passing, Herb was not only my favorite Teacher at PHS, but a Christian mentor, friend, and a wonderful part of our Church family. He has been, and will be missed. Prayers to you all.
Clyde Gaw says
My heart is broken. My sincerest condolences to ALL of the Eveland Family. I knew Herb for many years as a member of the Art Education Association of Indiana. Herb was always so generous and thoughtful. A wonderful colleague and inspirational human being. Never afraid of any challenge. We will miss Herb immensely. Herb Eveland will always be remembered by his colleagues at AEAI as an Indiana State treasure.
Terry Holzwart says
Mr. Eveland was the greatest of men,he always gave Direction to where it was needed and made me believe in the greater good of people. Every time I got together with other friends and classmates his name was always brought up and how he could make or lives better with such little effort, He made life better by just knowing him. I will miss him greatly.
Mike Delp says
Diane and family,
Judy and I are so sorry to hear of Herb’s passing. He was a great teacher and friend. Alway enjoyed talking Plymouth sports when we saw each other. Remember playing basketball against him as a student, he like to push and foul me, I usually retaliated !
I enjoyed so many years working besides him at the Plymouth basketball scorer’s bench. Being the scorer I would sometimes miss a play writing down the info in the book, Herb would always look out for me and tell me what I missed when I looked back up . He always kept some candy at the scorers bench (especially peanut M&M’s) and shared them with anyone. He was also a calming influence on me at the bench when I got worked up at a questionable referee’s call against Big Red !
Going to miss you Herb !
Kevin Schultz says
My deepest sympathies to all of Herb’s family. I knew Herb through the Art Education Association of Indiana. I only saw Herb at conferences once a year but could truly call him a friend. He was such a wonderful person, always smiling and fun to be around. He was always kind and helpful to everyone he met. He will be greatly missed❤️
Tom Johnson says
Jane and I are so sorry and sad to hear of Herb’s passing. Herb was my high school art teacher, supervised my student teaching, and helped me get my first and only teaching job at Lincoln Jr. High. I was not a very confident young man as a student at Plymouth High School and Herb helped me a lot to believe in myself. I had this sense of confidence when being around him. Herb helped me choose my career in teaching art and being accepted to Manchester College. Herb was like my second father and gave me the attention I sorely needed at times. I’m not sure where I’d be today if it wasn’t for Herb Eveland. I’m so thankful and proud he was a part of my life and success. Have fun in heaven and remember, Dennis copied!
Tom and Jane Johnson
Jenifer George says
Dear Diane and family,
I am so sorry for your loss and pray for your comfort. Herb will be so missed by the entire community and remembered for his kindness, generosity, and wit.
Dick Tobias says
Diane and Family
I was very sadden when reading about the passing of Herb. He was an outstanding teacher and individual. Herb did so many positive things , not only for Plymouth High School, but for our community. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Anna Bach Liechty says
Diane & Family, I was so sorry to learn of Herb’s passing. He was always a smiling face to see in the hallways of PHS. I valued him as a colleague and friend. May knowing how many lives he touched through the years bring you a sense of joy in the midst of your sorrow. He is surely being welcomed into heaven’s company with a “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Take good care of yourself as you go forward.
Judith M. Price says
Diane, I remember you and Herb when I attended Manchester College (now Manchester University. You can imagine my surprise then I moved to Plymouth November 1981 to find the two of you residing there. I remember Herb as we were both members of Heartland Artist, and once he asked me to judge a student art show. He certainly was an asset to the Plymouth community. Please accept my sympathy at this time and rest in knowing you have many memories to sustain you.
Fred and Kathy funk says
Sorry for your loss god bless
Mike Wenino says
Sorry to hear of the passing of Herb. Herb let me sit in during his prep period and do art work as I had run out of available art classes at PHS. A few years later I did my student teaching with Herb the same year as Tom Johnson and we both ended up an Lincoln Junior High for thirty plus years. So, Herb had a great influence beyond his own teaching at PHS. Herb always had a happy greeting as we entered his classroom for our area wide art department meetings and always asked it I wanted a bottle of pop as he headed to the teacher’s lounge to get some refreshments. Herb will be missed.
Judy Hileman Delp says
Rejoicing with you for Herb’s long life and loving legacy… So many wonderful memories of Herb thru times at PHS where our lives continually crossed. My dad so admired and appreciated Herb snd Diane’s selfless devotion to Plymouth Athletics. He often would say- “I could use 5 more couples just like the Evelands”. My fondest memory is in the spring of 1998 as daughter Erica and her junior classmates worked to transform the PHS gym into a prom paradise. He patiently answered questions, provided supplies and always affirmed their multitude of ideas with a response of “let’s make it happen”. His clever quips and cheerful demeanor made this week of decorating a joy for students and their parents. And the beautiful prom paradise was a backdrop for a magical night that I am sure the classes of 1998 and 1999 remember to this day. The world was a better place because of Herb’s touch… and heaven just got a lot sweeter for sure. Prayers for all of you as you step thru the tender days ahead…
George Fletcher says
Sorry for your loss. Herb was a GREAT guy. I enjoyed coming down and playing golf with him. He didn’t care if I beat him. He just wanted to beat his buddy Bob.
Anna Kietzman says
We are so sorry to learn of Herb’s passing. He was a true pioneer for the arts in our community and we would never have this wonderful organization without his vision, passion, and dedication. He will be sorely missed. Sending much love to all the Eveland family. ~The Heartland Artists
Ken Shilt says
Dear Diane and family:
I am so sorry to read of the loss of Herb. I know that losing a loved one is never easy, regardless of the circumstances. I first remembered hearing his name from Dad, when he would recall a humorous tale from the teachers lounge or from funny comments that they shared at the basketball scorers table during those many basketball games. It was Herb’s unwritten job to make sure that Dad didn’t get a technical foul (which he almost did once!) by showing his displeasure with a call that went against the Pilgrims! Herb also saw me in the hallway in the spring of ’77 and talked to me for several minutes about how happy he was that I would be attending Manchester College! He always had a smile for the people around him! As you and the family go through this difficult time, may you find strength in your faith and feel the love of friends and wonderful memories. Tears are the price we must pay for loving someone. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Mike Delp says
Sure glad your Dad and I had Herb at the bench to keep us out of trouble with the refs !!
Linda Clevenger says
Oh no just saw this. He was a teacher that saw something in me that others over looked. He was a great person. I will miss seeing him around. He touched my soul .