KCPD Memorial Lest We Forget
Honoring the Fallen
Officer
Robert Wayne Evans
Kansas City, MO Police Dept
EOW: Thursday, Oct 14, 1971
Age: 32
DOB: Feb 6, 1939
Tour of Duty: 7 years
Cause: Struck by vehicle
Incident Location: Jackson CountyLocation: 7200 E. 24 Highway
Honors: Medal of Valor,
Presidential Commendation

On October 14, 1971, Officer Robert Evans was struck and killed by a motorist while on a traffic stop on east 24 Highway.

On October 14, 1971 at approximately 9 pm, Officer Evans and four other officers were working traffic enforcement on 24 Highway. Officer Evans stopped a motorist in the outside lane near 7200 E. 24 Highway and parked his motorcycle behind the motorist's car.

Officer Evans and a driver of a stopped vehicle were standing between the motorcycle and the rear of the car when another car struck the motorcycle, the two men, and the motorist's car. Officer Evans was thrown over 70 feet and died from his injuries. The motorist standing with Officer Evans suffered two broken legs. The motorist survived the accident only because he was pushed out of the way by Officer Evans at the last instant. Officer Evans was posthumously awarded the Medal of Valor by Chief Clarence Kelly in honor of his heroic sacrifice and a presidential commendation by President Nixon.

Officer Evans served with the Kansas City Police Department for seven years, serving in the 63rd Street Station, the Independence Station, the Tactical Unit and was assigned to the traffic unit at the time of his death. Officer Evans previously served with the Raytown, Missouri Police Department from 1961 to 1964 when he joined the KCPD. He was a veteran, serving with the United States Army for three years from 1958 to 1961. He was an amateur racer of sprint cars. He was survived by his wife, Myrtle, a daughter, Sandra, and son, Sgt. Randy K. Evans who went on to serve with the Kansas City Police Department. Interred: Floral Hills Cemetery, Kansas City, Missouri.


Article by Brent Marchant

Kansas City Police Memorial