David V. Evans was born December 9, 1941, in Arapahoe, Nebraska, and grew up in Hastings. He died in Arlington, Virginia on February 25, 2022, at age 80.

David spent nearly two decades as a professional staff member and director on the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Education, Arts and Humanities, working directly for Senator Claiborne Pell. He played a key role in reauthorizing the Higher Education Act and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act across multiple administrations, and later served as a Legislative Associate for Higher Education for a U.S. House subcommittee. He also co-founded VOTIVO, a candle manufacturing company, and earlier served as an administrative assistant to the governors of Rhode Island and Nebraska.

Friends remembered David for his sharp wit, generosity, and love of travel, good food, and his dogs, and for the warmth he brought to the wide circle of friends and colleagues he gathered in Washington over the decades.

He is survived by extended family in Nebraska, Florida, Colorado, and South Dakota, and many friends in the Washington, DC area.