Oliver Morris Evans III's Obituary
Oliver Morris Evans III, beloved father, grandfather, and husband, bid farewell to this world at the age of 75 on March 20, 2024, in Dallas, Texas. Known to many as “Moe,” he grew up in University Park and graduated from Highland Park High School in 1966. After attending Sam Houston State University, Morris joined Southwestern Bell, where his father also had a successful career, serving in numerous roles until retiring as a manager in 2000.
After retirement, Morris followed the Lord’s calling and happily donated his time, energy, and talents to St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in University Park. Over the past 37 years, he served on the vestry as both Junior and Senior Warden, in the Brotherhood of St. Andrew, the Order of St. Luke, as a Lay Eucharistic Minister, and as a member of the church choir.
A lifelong musician from his early days at HPHS, a percussionist in marching and jazz bands, to his love of the keyboards as an adult, Morris cherished playing classic rock covers—especially the Beatles—and composing his own songs. His passion for music was shared with his bandmates in “Rock of Aged,” including drummer Cole Hobbs, his grandson.
Morris brightened the lives of those who knew him and touched the hearts of so many. Laughter followed him wherever he went, and he never missed an opportunity to make a punny “dad joke.” His kindness and devotion to Christ were felt by all of those who ever spent time with him, and that legacy will carry on long beyond his passing. Through his many close friendships and service to the Lord, Morris impacted the lives of many, but he was most proud of his role as a dedicated father, grandfather, and husband. His love for his family was unending, and his humor, faith, and affinity for spreading joy will live on in them for generations to come.
Morris is preceded in death by his father, Oliver Morris Evans, Jr.; mother, Wanda Coleman Evans; and his sister, Wanda Evans Qamouta. Morris is survived by his beloved wife, Reita Hardeman; children Corey (Sherry) Fawcett, Heather Hobbs, Kimberley (JJ) Gilbert, and Paige (Oscar) Hernandez; grandchildren Coleman Hobbs, Sydney Fawcett, Keira Fawcett, Jett Gilbert, Ryann Gilbert, and Jude Hernandez; and nieces and nephews Jennifer, Rick, and Steve Elms.
Services to commemorate Morris’ life will be held in Dallas at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church (7900 Lovers Lane), on Saturday, April 6 at 1 p.m. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall, hosted by the family and Morris’ Rock of Aged bandmates.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made directly to the Dallas Cowboys for a new offensive line (Morris was a long-suffering diehard fan,) or better, to St. Christopher’s Episcopal https://app.aplos.com/aws/give/StChristophersEpiscopalChurch.
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