Pioneer LV shoe store owner Evans dies at 73

Monday, Dec. 27, 1999 | 9:42 a.m.

Robert J. Evans, a Las Vegas shoe store pioneer, died Wednesday at a local hospital. He was 73.

Evans owned and operated the Shoe Tree and Robert Evans Shoes. He was a Southern Nevada resident for 43 years.

Born Nov. 5, 1926, in Malad City, Idaho, Evans began his career in the shoe industry as a salesman at Gallenkamp's shoes in Ogden, Utah, after serving in the Navy during World War II.

He moved to the Las Vegas Valley in 1956 to become manager at a Gallenkamp's shoe store that was opening on Fremont Street.

"It was such a pioneering business," Janet Smith, Evans' daughter, said. "It was a struggle the first year, but he was very determined."

So determined was Evans that a few years later he and his wife, Beth, decided to open a store of their own despite discouragement from those around them because Las Vegas was in the middle of the desert and such a small community, Smith said. But Evans persevered.

"He just really believed in it. He thought this was going to be a booming place," Smith said. "And he was successful."

In 1961 the Evanses opened The Shoe Tree at Maryland Parkway and Sahara Avenue. The store specialized in women's and children's shoes. By carrying unique and fashionable styles as well as corrective footwear for children, Evans carved a niche for himself.

The dance shoes that he sold served much of the Las Vegas entertainment industry. Evans would order white fabric high-heeled shoes for chorus dancers and dye them to match the costumes, his daughter said.

Evans also sold high-fashioned shoes at dress shops at eight local hotels, including early hotels such as the Dunes, Sahara and Landmark. He also sold to celebrities, including Jayne Mansfield and Don Rickles.

Evans later opened another Shoe Tree at The Mission Center shopping area near Flamingo Road and Maryland Parkway, then in 1981 opened Robert Evans Shoes in the Fashion Show mall.

Evans was known for his charitable efforts, his family said. Through his business he often contributed to people in need whether it was a family with financial problems or a family recovering from a tragedy.

"If there was a fire, he'd call them up, have the family come down and make sure they all had shoes," Smith said. One year he donated 200 pairs of new children's shoes to a church organization that served underprivileged children, the family said.

After serving the Las Vegas community for 30 years Evans retired in 1986. All three of his stores have been sold.

"He was a fun person," Smith said. "He had a great personality. We're going to miss him. He had an easy laugh. He always made you feel welcome."

In addition to his daughter Janet of San Diego and his wife, Beth, Evans is survived by one son, Ned Evans of Henderson; his daughter Cindy Boatman of Las Vegas; two brothers, Rex Evans of Portland, Ore., and Melvin Evans of Ketchum, Idaho; two sisters, Jane Price of Malad City, Idaho, and Del Bird of Ogden, Utah; and five grandchildren.

A visitation is scheduled 3 to 7 p.m. today at Palm Mortuary, 7600 S. Eastern Ave. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the LDS Green Valley Stake Center, 410 Valley Verde Road. Burial will follow at Palm Valley View Cemetery.

The family suggests donations to the Children's Service Guild.