5/9/1988 – 8/17/2026
Lawrence
Evan Thomas Leifer, beloved son, brother, grandson, uncle, nephew, cousin, died on August 17, 2026, at the age of 38. Born on May 9, 1988, to Anne Owen and John Leifer, Evan was a smart, gentle, and caring young man whose kindness and sensitivity deeply touched those who loved him.
His adulthood was profoundly affected by treatment-resistant schizophrenia, a cruel and devastating disease that caused him unrelenting suffering. He bravely persevered until he couldn’t any longer.
Evan is survived by his mother, Anne Owen, and his father, John Leifer (Lori); his brothers, Charles (Leslie, Connor, Natalie, JC) and James (Katy, Nash, Millie) Leifer; and his grandmother, Carol Owen. He is also survived by his uncles, David and John Owen and Gary Leifer, and their spouses and children and grandchildren.
He was deeply loved by his family, who will remember his gentleness, his intelligence, and his love of Beanie, Ziggy and video games.
May he finally be free from suffering. He was loved. He mattered. He will be missed.
A private interment at the St Andrew’s Episcopal Church columbarium will be planned at a later date.
Evan’s family would like to designate Anchor Pointe Clubhouse for memorial gifts in lieu of flowers.
Donations can be made in either of the following ways:
• By check: Checks can be made payable to Breakthrough Episcopal Social Services, with Anchor Pointe written in the memo line.
• Online: Donations can also be made through our website. In the Tribute Field, donors can indicate that their contribution is being made in memory of Evan Leifer and designated for Anchor Pointe. https://www.breakthroughwichita.org/donate/
Note: The Lawrence Times is offering Lawrence and Douglas County community members space to publish remembrances of loved ones who lived in this community, free of charge. These pieces are submitted by family and friends of the deceased and not written by our staff. Photos are also provided to the publication, and some may have been altered prior to submission. Read more obituaries here.
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