Mr. Van Ness Evans

Van Ness Evans was born on September 5, 1946 in Austin, Texas, the son of Limon W. Lowe and Emmaline Evans. He attended elementary and high school in Austin, graduating from Lyndon B. Johnson High School in 1964. He was a member of his high school’s swim team. After high school he entered into the military serving in the United States Army until September of 1972 and was honorably discharged . He received many awards which include a commendation medal and a bronze star metal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and One Overseas Bar. Van moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1972. He was employed with Crown Vantage, retiring after 26 years. Van met his wife Brenda Evans in 1979—his wife of 25 years, but his mate and sweetheart for the last 36 years. Van was a member of Galilee Missionary Baptist Church in Kalamazoo. He became an active member in 2005, serving on the Senior Usher Board. Van had a love for cars, both old and new. His other interests include: bowling, swimming, fishing, playing dominos, traveling, car show, spending time with friends and family. He took a special interest in any Veteran’s Honor activities. Van also enjoyed church outings and traveling with his friends and family. He had a special love for James Brown and his music. Van was known for his “cool” style of dress. He wore different types of hats and loved to wear Kangol’s and Dobbs. He didn’t “major in the minors of life”. He never met a stranger and if you had the pleasure of meeting him, he left his imprint on your heart. He was a genuine “stand up” guy. If he was your friend, he was your friend to the end. He lived for his family. Those that knew him, almost felt like you knew his family, too. He had the gift of gab and was not shy to brag about how wonderful he thought they were. He took great honor in providing for and going over and above to meet the needs of those that he loved. He wasn’t just a good father, he was a “GREAT DAD” and some may even argue that he was an even better “Papa”! He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. He was preceded in death by his father, Limon W. Lowe Sr. of Warsaw, NC ; his mother, Emmaline Evans; a sister Everlena Low-Long; and brother, Limon W. Lowe Jr. He leaves to cherish his memories: the love of his life, Brenda Evans; 3 daughters, Tamekka Bennett (Tyrone); Nakeia Burnett (Willie) and Shakyia Evans all of Kalamazoo, MI; 2 sons, Kenneth Lee Evans (Gloria) of Austin, TX and Vanness “Ty” Evans of Kalamazoo, MI; 12 grandchildren, Kameron Evans, Krystal Evans, Amir Bennett, Ariel Bennett, Na’Quavion Evans, Quayshon Evans, Onistey Burnett Odisey Burnett, Jurni Burnett, TyRay Evans, Za’Raya Evans, DeAndre Reason (and their mother, Sylvia Reason) and LaRue Briggs Jr.; mother-in-law, Magnolia Thurmond; siblings, Melvin Lowe (Claudia) of Nashville, TN; Thurmon Lowe (Patsy) of Brooklyn, NY; Dwight Phillips; Eugene Thurmond (Margaret); Willie Thurmond (Leta), William Earl Thurmond (Pamela) Ike Thurmond (Margie) all of Kalamazoo, MI and Alfred Thurmond (Debra) of Atlanta, GA; 4 sisters, Mae Jones (John), Jean Wilson (Lavon), Emma Phillips and Joyce Dixon all of Kalamazoo, MI; brother in-law, Floyd Long of Portsmouth, VA; and a special Aunt he loved like a mother, Obedia Slater. Also, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Mr. Van Ness Evans

September 5, 1946 - July 26, 2015