Ronald Evans

American astronaut selected by NASA in April 1966. Evans served as Command Module Pilot aboard Apollo 17, the last manned flight to the moon, which launched on 12/06/1972. During the mission, he set a record for time spent alone in orbit at 147 hours, 41 minutes and 13 seconds. The son of Clarence and Marie Evans, he graduated from Highland Park High School in Topeka, Kansas before enrolling at the University of Kansas. In 1956, he completed the Navy ROTC program, was commissioned an Ensign, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. He completed flight training in 1957 and received his Master of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in 1964. Until his selection by NASA, he served sea duty in the Pacific. He was awarded both the NASA Distinguished Service Medal and the Navy Distinguished Service Medal in 1973. After his retirement from NASA in March 1977, he worked in the private sector. Evans was married to Janet Merle Pollom and they had two children, Jaime Dayle (8/21/1959) and Jon Pollom (10/09/1961). In his free time, he enjoyed outdoor activities including fishing, swimming, hunting and golfing. He died of an apparent heart attack on 4/07/1990, Scottsdale, Arizona. Link to Wikipedia biography Read less