Robert Evans, 77, known as Bob or Bobby to most, passed away December 30, after a
courageous 18-month battle with glioblastoma cancer.

Born and raised in Washington, D.C., he graduated from Anacostia High School and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering from Duke University, followed by a Ph.D. from George Washington University. He spent almost the entirety of his 42-year career at the Naval Research Laboratory in D.C., eventually heading the Advanced Techniques Branch of the Tactical Electronic Warfare Systems Program. In his 2012 U.S. Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award, he was recognized for “His scientific and engineering efforts [that], in part, have laid the very foundations of modern electronic warfare.” In the 1980s, he also served as an associate professor at GWU, teaching computer science and electrical engineering.

Bob was humble to a fault, so much so that his children did not learn of his professional
accomplishments until sorting through his records near his time of passing. He was fiercely
determined and a natural problem-solver—whether fixing cars, repairing electronics, or building
backyard treehouses connected by a suspension bridge. He loved sports, was an avid golfer, and
a devoted Duke basketball fan.

Shortly after retiring in 2013, Bob moved to Fernandina Beach, Florida, where he continued
public service as an election clerk in Nassau County. Among his family and all the friends he met along life’s journey, Bob was known for his dry humor, generosity, patience, wisdom, and
kindness. He is dearly loved and will be greatly missed.

Bob is survived by his wife Marty, son R. Brian Evans (Kimberly), grandson Nathan, his brother
Jack (Gail) and nephew Mark, daughter Robin (Mike), grandchildren Blake, Kayla, Devin, and
Nick, and great grandchildren Alaina, Emma, Colton, and Cora Belle.