Claude ‘Blackie’ Evans, 71; former head of the Nevada AFL-CIO

Claude “Blackie” Evans, 71, a longtime Nevada labor leader, died Friday of apparent heart failure at his home in Henderson, Nev.

From 1978 to 1999, Evans was head of the state AFL-CIO, which represents more than 150 local unions and more than 120,000 members. He oversaw Nevada political action efforts and lobbied for labor-related laws at the state Legislature.

Born in Joplin, Mo., Evans started as a laborer at Titanium Metal Corp. in Henderson in the early 1950s. The former boxer became active in union affairs and developed a reputation as a tough labor representative.

In 1963, he was elected president of Steelworkers Union Local 4856, and in 1971 he was appointed by then-Gov. Mike O’Callaghan as state labor commissioner.