Evan Bigbee

Mrs. Bigbee always told us stories about her boys and I was so honoured the handful of times that I actually got to spend time with Evan. I remember him as a judge at our debate/drama tournament at BHS – I remember him just sitting down with us high schoolers and talking to us as though we were equals to him. He discussed philosophy, he drew cartoons, and he did Yoda impressions. Evan left an impression on me that has and will last. He is an example of uniqueness, kindness, and seeing the value in everyone. I have never again met anyone like him. My heart goes out to all of you.

Jessica (De’Aeth-Hewett) Ripley
BHS Class of 2002

My family and I loved him so much our thoughts and prayers are with yall. If yall need anything just ask. We love you. God Bless

Evan once described himself to me as a visionary philosopher. I agreed with him. He was a true visionary. Evan saw more than most.

I’ve sat here for days trying to think of just the right words or the right word that would do Evan justice and there isn’t one. Evan was beyond any word I could ever come up with.

He seemed to see the “radness” in every person, place and thing that he came in touch with. He wrote an email to me describing Fort Worth and some dining experience that he had and for some reason I have been saving it. I want to share his words with you because they seem to kind of sum up how he saw everything.

“And that kind of stuff is all over the place here!
Like the Lebanese place with the delightfully forward belly dancers and saliva-destroying shawarma!
It's rife with rad, and it's like nobody realizes it!”

Evan was ripe with rad… and everyone realizes it.

I appreciate the moments of knowing this rad man.

Dear Mrs. Weesner, Jay, and family,

Evan and I were in the band together and he was such a joy to be around! His laughter and fun-loving attitude was always contagious. My husband and I will pray that the Lord will give you strength during this difficult time.

“So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Isaiah 41:10

Sincerely,
Emily Pledger Moran
Class of 1998

Dearest son,

"There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West. Some courage and some wisdom, blended in measure. If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world."
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

These words from one of your favorite authors reflects your philosophy that we should laugh, find joy and dance our way down the fragile roads of our lives. I am so blessed to call you and Jay my sons.

My deepest love,
Mom

To those who have offered encouragement,kindness and enlightenment during these difficult times, I can only offer my love and gratitude. Evan would want all of us to honor each other and to honor each moment.

Most sincerely,
Jan Bigbee Weesner

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I can relate to your pain we recently lost my brother at age 30, Keith Bartels. I remember you telling us as your students about your children when we were in school.
We will keep your family in our prayers.
Sincerely,

The Bartels Family
Erika Bartels Guerrero

Jan,
There are no amount of comforting words that can penetrate the pain and sorrow that you are experiencing and feeling at this time. Nothing (so I am told) is more painful than losing a child. Please know that God and your Angels are walking beside you and that someday they will help you understand and eventually accept why this tragic accident happened.
You (and your family) are in my thoughts and prayers.

Ms. Bigbee and family,

I'm truly sorry for your loss. I remember Evan for the bright and happy person he was in high school. His happiness was contagious and I never left his presence without a smile on my face.

The world is far worse for his passing.

My prayers are with your family.

- Brie Pampell

Mrs. Bigbee and family,
I am praying for ya'll. I remember there being a lot of love in your family. I graduated with and was in Band with Evan. You may not remember me, I didn't keep in contact with Evan as well, and I didn't stay in Brenham after high school, consequently seeing him only a few times after high school. I have three children of my own, now, and it is a difficult subject to fathom, but this life is not the end. He was a special person and your family is truly blessed. Things don't always make sense, but the Lord has a way of seeing us through, better than we could have hoped for. My heart goes out to you.
God Bless You all.

Mrs. Bigbee and Family,

I know you don't know me, but I had the pleasure of knowing your wonderful son for two very short years. I always enjoyed the time we spent together. He was an amazing person and I was at a loss when I heard the tragic news of his death.

My heart goes out to you and your family during these hard times. I haven't been the most devout Christian, but it is times like these that I remember my Christian upbringing and look to the Lord for strength and solace. May God grant you strength during this hard time, and may you know your son remains in the many memories and hearts of all that were graced to be a part of his life.

With Christian love,
Erica Alderete