Don L. Evans entire adult life reflected his deep interest in the Air Force and in the technology that enabled it to enter the Space Age. As a navigator on B-24s with the 22nd Bomb Group, Don flew 52 missions in the Southwest Pacific. After World War II ended and after a brief stint as a civilian in which he ran a private charter firm, Don rejoined the Air Force early in the Korean War and flew 50 combat missions in B-26s. After returning to the States he was assigned to Military Air Transport Service (MATS) and flew personnel and dignitaries all over the world in Boeing C-97 Stratofreighters. His next assignment at Alamogordo marked the beginning of his interest in engineering and space. He graduated from the Air Force Institute of Technology at Wright-Patterson, did graduate work in physics at several facilities and universities then transferred to the Space Systems Command. There he took part in many early space accomplishments. After more study and teaching at various AF research institutions, and participating in establishing the early Global Positioning System (GPS) network. Don retired with the rank of colonel in 1975. As a civilian, he continued work with The Aerospace Corporation, He died on September 10, 2005, Don is survived by his wife, Alyce, and their two sons.

Evans is the co-author of Revenge of the Red Raiders. in the Eagles Over The Pacific series.