Our walk today was dedicated in honor of:
Marine PFC Evan A. Bath, age 19 of Oak Creek, WI.
Died Jul. 30, 2020
PFC Evan Andrew Bath was born to Andrew and Aleta Bath at 4:55 p.m. at St. Luke’s Hospital in Milwaukee, WI on May 28, 2001, Memorial Day.
On July 30, 2020, while in service to his country, Evan passed away during a Marine training exercise off the coast of San Clemente Island. He, along with 7 other Marines of Bravo 1/ 4 and a Navy Corpsman, paid the ultimate price for our freedom while preparing for an upcoming deployment.
As a toddler, Evan was very active and kept mom busy running behind him to pick up books pulled down from the office bookshelf, ALL of the movies from the entertainment center, shoes and shoe boxes pulled out of the closet (and there were a lot), stealing about a hundred pairs of Papa Williamson’s clean socks waiting to be folded and scattering them all over the kitchen floor, or climbing in the cabinets pulling out all of the contents (including the bucket of flour all over him and the kitchen). However, all you needed to do to keep him distracted was to turn on Veggie Tales, King George and the Ducky, and he would sit captivated in front of the TV. King George and the Ducky was played so often that mom was able to quote almost the entire movie as it played. However, one of Evan’s favorite times was when dad came home from work and spent time playing with him.
As a young child, Evan dreamed of becoming a firefighter, deep sea diver, or a monster truck driver and for several years, you could often find him playing in his firefighter costume. During a visit to the neighborhood fire station with mom and dad in his firefighter costume, he was such a hit that the firefighters were waking up napping teammates to come and see him in the firetruck. Evan was a loving child who always wanted to help his Nana Williamson as she cooked, cleaned the house, or even sitting on the floor of her sewing room with his toys. He would always tell his Nana that he was going to build her a house in “Hooston” (Houston), jump in his red Dodge Ram, and take her to the house. One day when he was about two years old, mom heard a very frustrated, “UGGHHH,” coming from his bedroom. When she asked what was wrong, he replied, “I’m so aggravated, this isn’t cooperating”! He was trying to tie his shoes. Evan had a very large vocabulary even at that young age and loved carrying on conversations with any adult he might find throughout the day.
After a few years, Evan’s dreams begin to shift, and the firefighter costume was replaced by Indiana Jones and then camouflage. Once the military costume made its appearance, Evan never looked back. It was the Marines for him.
During his early school days, Evan became enamored with Star Wars, the Clone Wars and Legos. Somehow, there always seemed to be more Lego pieces on the floor than in the box. You could often hear a “yelp” and then mom threatening to throw every Lego on the floor in the trash after stepping on a particularly sharp piece. Around the age of 6, Evan accidently swallowed a piece and after hearing a commotion in the basement, mom was dialing 911 to make sure that Evan was going to be okay. We still aren’t sure who was hollering louder, Evan or dad. Just know that Aleta had to go outside to call EMS so she could hear.
Soon, Evan discovered video games on his Nintendo DS and from then on, his electronics were never far from his reach. For a few years, games with Star Wars the Clone Wars and Indiana Jones were the favorites on both the DS and the new Xbox he received for Christmas. However, the military was never far from his mind and war games started slowing trickling in on the Xbox. Eventually, Halo, Call of Duty, and several other military-themed games became the favorites. Then Evan discovered his love of history, particularly anything that had to do with Vikings and the medieval time period. He became enamored with the feudal way of life, and began to create his own cities and villages, conjuring details down to buildings, streets and alleys, the inhabitants with drawings of each character with personal traits, complete with their shields and weapons….his creativity and imagination was limitless.
Since his goal was to become a Marine, he began working out and put himself on a very strict diet. He was driven to reach his goal, so much so, that his mom used that determination to make him do better in school and get chores done around the house. He begged his mom to allow him to do the Delayed Entry Program. And thus began a 6 month “war of wills”; if Evan would follow mom’s orders, she would give him permission to follow his dream.
On July 29, 2019, Evan left for bootcamp in San Diego; he had finally attained his goal. But soon Evan began to have “buyer’s remorse”. He was obsessed with schedules; he always thought the Marines were driven by schedules…. “surely they were as OCD as him!” He was so obsessed with schedules, that his dad awarded him with his first call sign, “The Schedule Master”. That all came crashing down and he lamented to his mother in a text, “they don’t have enough schedules!!!!” He learned, as all of us have that have served in the military; our only schedule is, “hurry up and wait.”
Evan proudly served as an O311, infantry rifleman, assigned to Bravo Co., Battalion Landing Team 1-4, attached to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
There are two traits that became readily apparent while reminiscing Evan’s life; creativity and determination. And once he met his goal, he was determined to not let anything interfere with his career. While his peers were “doing what boys do”, he stood his ground and lived by his principles. He wasn’t going to let any distractions affect his success. On one occasion, his superior was directing an animated conversation towards Evan because he wouldn’t repeat a particularly “salty” cadence. When he was pressed as to why he wouldn’t, Evan came to attention and quickly replied, “Because I have to go home and live with my mother, SIR!”
As determined as Evan was, he was equally unassuming. He was uncomfortable when civilians realized he was a Marine and thanked him for his service. On several occasions, he told his mother, “I haven’t done anything yet to deserve their thanks.”
We want Evan to be remembered for his loyalty, sense of humor and love of God, country and family.
We had a great 9.71 mile walk this morning. We headed out on Northside Drive and we got to see the sunrise. We then went into the Obed River Park where we walked the Trail. It was great seeing a couple deer this morning. After leaving the park we headed up town to the War Memorial Park. Before heading home we stopped by the City Fire Station. I want to thank my friend Robert for walking with us today. I want to thank everyone who honked, waved, and saluted in helping us honor this hero. We had 175 honks this morning. It was amazing. Thank You.
Marine PFC Evan A. Bath will not be forgotten !
