Paul M. Evans; Retired Burbank Police Officer

Paul M. Evans, who served 31 years as a police officer in Burbank, has died at a Glendale hospital. He was 81.

A longtime resident of Sylmar, Evans died Sunday of emphysema, said his daughter, Shirley Smith.

Born in Reedley, Calif., he came to Burbank as an infant and graduated from Burbank High School. Evans, who joined the Burbank police force in 1936, worked patrol and served as acting lieutenant from the early 1940s to the mid-1950s. He later became desk officer in charge of the communications center. Evans retired in 1967 and had been a member of the Burbank Elks Lodge.

He is survived by his daughter, Shirley Smith of West Hills; sister Reba Glasier of Glendale, and five grandchildren. His wife, Jewell Evans, died in 1989.

Visitation is at 10 a.m. today, with a funeral set for 11 a.m., both at Glen Haven Mortuary, 13017 N. Lopez Canyon Road in San Fernando, which is handling the arrangements. Burial will follow at Glen Haven Memorial Park. Donations can be made in Evans’ name to the Burbank Police Officers Assn., in care of the Danny Crawford Fund, 175 E. Olive Ave., Suite 400, Burbank 91502.