Morris “Brownie” P. Evans, IV

II Timothy 4:7 KJV

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”

Morris Palmer Evans IV, affectionally known to some as “Brownie”, of Vero Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2026, at the age of 79.

Morris was born on June 25, 1947, in Chester, Pennsylvania, and was one of four siblings. He spent most of his childhood in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, and attended and graduated from Garnet Valley High School in 1966. In the fall of 1966, he moved down to Miami and attended Miami Dade Junior College where he obtained an associate degree in graphic arts. It was there that he met his wife, Patty, in 1968, and married in February 1969. He moved back to Pennsylvania, and returned to working in the family printing business, Morris P. Evans and Son. Though he eventually owned the printing business, his love for fishing and running sport fishing boats motivated him to obtain his professional yacht captain’s license. While running his printing business, he started out working as a first mate on fishing charter boats on the weekends in Indian River, Delaware.  In time, Morris obtained his captain’s license, sold the printing business, and moved back to Florida to pursue a full-time career as a professional yacht captain. He ran boats for approximately 50 years, and in that time, he developed a reputation as a highly skilled captain and boat handler. He was well respected and trusted by the yacht owners he was employed by and those he associated with in the boating business.

He loved his Philadelphia teams: the Phillies, the Eagles, and the Flyers.

He also liked playing sports himself. When he was younger, he was involved with football, volleyball, softball, and skiing, but the sport that became a lifetime sport for him was softball. He began playing in softball leagues as a teen and continued to play consecutive years until the age of 77. The last league he played in was the Vero Beach Codgers, where he made lifelong friendships. Morris was very open about his faith and had a habit of just “busting out” in prayer when a player would share their health concerns or other matters with him.  He developed a habit of doing this in public places when given permission by someone.

Another love of his was animals, specifically dogs and cats. After he put his last pet down, he couldn’t bring himself to get another one, but he made friends with every dog in the neighborhood and gave out treats. Morris knew the dogs’ names better than he knew their owners’ names, and he would refer to their owners by saying, “Oh, that’s Benny‘s mom and dad”.

Morris was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother-in-law, uncle and friend. His wisdom, generosity, integrity, service to others, and wit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Morris’ humor was unique and was often just, “Morris being Morris”, not even realizing that what he said was funny.

Anyone who knew him, knew he was a “talker”. He enjoyed talking to anyone anywhere and made friends wherever he went.

Above all, Morris loved Jesus and was ready to meet Him when he passed into his heavenly home. He was saved and born again on Palm Sunday, 1980, and continued serving the Lord from that time until he saw Jesus. He was active in church and served in ministry as a cell group leader, praying at the altar, and his favorite, serving in the prophetic ministry.

Morris is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Patty Evans; his children, Keely Marie Evans and Carly Renée Evans; his grandchildren, Joseph Curtis Tyson, III, Morris Palmer Evans V, Asher Dale Ireland; his great-grandson, Malachi Tyson; sisters-in-law Connie Fitts, Linda Jackson and families; and cousins Pam Kisby and Roxanne De Vito.

He was proceeded in death by his parents; Morris Palmer Evans, III and Bernice Cooper Evans; his siblings, Gail Evans Cangiarella, Harry Kenny Evans, and Holly Evans Twaddell; and his grandparents, Morris Palmer Evans, Jr. and Myrtle Elliott Evans.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life service at Pathway Church located at 1105 58th Avenue, Vero Beach, Florida, 32966. It will be held on August 29, 2026, at 1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Morris’ honor to the Samaritans Purse.

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.