Zachary Evans

ZACHARY "ZACH" "Z" "ZMJ" EVANS, 39, of Kearney, passed away Friday, May 16, 2025, in Kearney, Nebraska.

Zach was born February 2, 1986, at Perkins County Hospital in Grant, Nebraska, to Tony and Sally (Clouse) Evans. As an infant, Zach endured seizures which caused him to have special needs but he embraced every day with joy and appreciation. He never forgot a face and greeted everyone as a friend.

Zach grew up in Ogallala and later made his home in Kearney, where he lived for 21 years in a group home that became a second family to him. He was a bit of a foodie, often considering his next meal while enjoying the current one, and looked forward to visits to the gas station for a soda or a scotcheroo.

Zach loved DVDs and amassed an impressive collection, which grew to over 500 movies. He was a walking encyclopedia of music and movie knowledge. Zach had a knack for cracking jokes and, as a devout Denver Broncos fan, he was almost never seen without his Denver Broncos gear on.

Zach had a massive heart, and his emotions ran deep. His sense for right and wrong followed him closely, sometimes catching up after the fact, but always prompting sincere responses. He would often remark: "When I grow up," with wide-eyed seriousness, regardless of his age. Zach appreciated the little things more than most. Every morning and afternoon, he called his mother when he wasn't back home for his monthly visit. His conversations would reliably last only about 2 minutes, but that's all he needed to let you know that he loved you before his distinct sign-off, describing how he was going to relax and maybe take in a movie.

Zach had his way of teaching powerful lessons to those around him: like how to appreciate every moment, and every treat that life brought, no matter the quantity it came in. He embodied unreserved love and the childlike spirit that Jesus praised in the Gospels-trusting, joyful, and pure of heart. Though "ZMJ" could be a handful on occasion, he'll be remembered for all of his endearing characteristics that made him a very special one-of-a-kind.

Zach was preceded in death by his grandparents, Dale and Marian Clouse; Wyatt and Darline Evans; cousin, Calista Wilson; and stepsister, Ashley Pankonin.

Survivors include his mother, Sally (Charlie) Pankonin of Ogallala; father, Tony (Jen) Evans of North Platte; sister, Megan Evans of Denver; brother, Brent (Jess) Evans of Ogallala; niece and nephews, Maddux, Scarlett, and Dominic; along with many other relatives, friends, and members of his extended group home family.

A celebration of Zach's life will be held on Friday, May 23, 2025, at 3 p.m. at the Prairie Hills Funeral Home Chapel in Ogallala with Pastor Jeri Soens officiating. No inurnment is planned at this time.

Feel free to dress casually in your "Broncos" attire in honor of Zach. A gathering will be held in the community room at the Petrified Wood Gallery located on Hwy 30 following the memorial service.

A memorial has been established in Zach's memory for later designation. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com, where the service will also be streamed.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is entrusted with arrangements.