Harry Evers Jr.

GULF BREEZE, Fla. -- It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Col. Harry Owen Evers Jr., Ret., on Friday, March 4, 2016, at home in Gulf Breeze.

He was born Nov. 3, 1933, in Mounds, Illinois, to Ruth David Evers and Harry Owen Evers Sr. He lived most of his childhood in Mound City, Illinois.

Harry married artist Faye Diamond of Gulfport, Mississippi, in 1954 and served in the Air Force until 1986, giving his family a wonderful life around the world. His wife's Southern roots led him to his home on the Gulf Coast.

Harry was an avid reader and loved sports, especially football, basketball and racing, but it was his love of music where he made his mark. From singing with the Keesler Chorus in the 1950s to starring in operas and musicals through 2000, he and his wife, Faye, were very active in Gulf Coast theatrical productions. Harry was particularly known for his beautiful rendition of "Old Man River," his role as Tevye in "Fiddler on the Roof" and for his many leading roles with the Gulf Coast Opera.

Harry lived for his family. His wife, Faye, passed away in 2002.

He is survived by his daughter, Kelly, and her husband, Victor Strozier, of Gulf Breeze; daughter, Kim, and her husband, John Seales, of Gulf Breeze; son, Harry Owen "Scott" Evers III and his wife, Amber, of Azle, Texas; his sister, Martha Ellen, and her husband, Ken House, of Cape Girardeau; and his brothers, Charles David Evers and his wife, Betty Jo, of Chandler, Arizona, and George Edward "Bo" Evers of Villa Ridge, Illinois. His grandchildren are Jarrod and his wife, Shelsea Gruber; Jacob Evers and his fiancee, Celeste Filmore; Lauren and her husband, Ben Westwood; Danielle and her husband, Clayton Loper; Taylor Evers, Caitlin Evers, Sean Seales and Owen Evers; plus great-grandchildren Christian, McKenzie, Ava, Jaden, Dylan, Colin and Harrison.

The family would like to thank the Gulf Breeze Hospital doctors and nurses.

There will be a private service at Barrancas National Cemetery at Pensacola, Florida.

Memorials may be made to The Council on Aging of West Florida.

Rose Lawn Funeral Home in Gulf Breeze was in charge of arrangements.