Leon Doyle Evans, 76, of Fairfax, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, January 18, 2014 at Mercy Medical Center from a lengthy illness. Celebration of Life services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, January 23, 2014 at Brosh Chapel in Cedar Rapids, located at 2121 Bowling Street SW, with burial to follow in Czech National Cemetery. Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Brosh Chapel. As per Leon's wishes everyone should come dressed in casual attire. Leon was born September 7, 1937 in Bloomfield the son of Lionel and Dorotha Pearl (Spilman) Evans. He married Virginia Pisney on December 23, 1956 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids. He worked at Wilson Foods, Link-Belt Speeder (later known as FMC), and Rockwell Goss Graphic Systems, where he retired in 2000. Leon's natural mechanical inclination and curiosity found a home in the Hot Rod movement of his time. Starting in his early teens, he found ways to squeeze more power out of every car he owned. As his knowledge grew, so did his ambitions. He soon found himself competing at NHRA and AHRA sanctioned dragstrips in an A/Comp dragster where he gained a reputation as a competitor worthy of the sport's top tier. Leon later moved up to AA/Fuel Dragster where he crossed paths with some of the sports legends, like Don "Big Daddy" Garlits, Tom "The Mongoose" McEwen, Don "The Snake" Prudhomme, Tom "Showtime" Hoover and Bill Shiksky. He was a one-time winner of World Series of Drag Racing as Little Eliminator Champion. Later years found him racing locally with his sons at N.E.I.T.A. Raceway while honing his skills as master welder, engine builder and fabricator. He continued racing in the snowmobiling ranks with his son Jeff, earning two runner-up finishes at the sports largest national event. After retirement, Leon returned to the car show circuit where he garnered numerous class wins, places and Best in Shows. Through all of this Leon was a father. He taught his children the lessons they needed to know and spent his remaining years enjoying the company of his grandchildren. Leon is survived by his wife Virginia; his children Kathy (Dave) Houser of Swisher, Jeff (Diane) Evans of Robins and Mike (Kathy) Evans of Fairfax; six grandchildren Jake Houser, Jessica and Blake Evans, Kate, Dan and Allison Evans; one step-granddaughter Megan Ditzler; one step-greatgrandson Joseph Teufel. Leon was preceded in death by his parents. A memorial fund has been established in his name.