Staff Reports
Senate President Joe Negron on Thursday evening announced funeral information for former state Sen. Greg Evers, who was killed in a single-car accident Monday.
Visitation will be next Monday, 5-7 p.m. CST, at the First Baptist Church of Milton, 6797 Caroline St. in Milton, Evers’ home town. A funeral service will be held Tuesday at 1 p.m. CST at the same venue.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for a donation in Evers’ name that salutes Florida’s fallen heroes. To donate, please click here.
Evers, 62, who lived in Baker in his later years, spent six years in the Florida Senate and a decade in the Florida House.
“Please keep the Evers Family in your prayers during this most difficult time,” Negron said.
Many of the strawberry farmer’s former colleagues in the Legislature, political allies and rivals both, have put out statements this week remembering the stalwart soldier for panhandle conservatives.
Evers was always one of the strongest advocates for Second Amendment rights in the Legislature, but NRA lobbyist Marion Hammer remembers him as more than just a lawmaker who was amiable to her cause.
“He stood up for what he believed and was loyal to his friends,” she said. “He was more than just someone you work with on a project, he made you his friend. He was a dear friend.”
U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, who defeated Evers in the primary race for his congressional seat last year, said he was “crushed” when he heard news of Evers’ death.
“Greg has been my friend for 16 years,” Gaetz said in an interview with the Pensacola News Journal. “Florida lost a great public servant and a champion for our community.”
Gaetz’s father, former Senate President Don Gaetz, remembered Evers as an effective lawmaker who was able to effortlessly see the issues he faced as a lawmaker the through the eyes of everyday people. More importantly, however, Gaetz remembers Evers as a loyal friend.
“He and I disagreed sometimes – we agreed most – but he was always an encouraging friend,” he said. “He was a man’s man. He was tough, he really was a farmer, and if he was your friend, he would do anything for you.”
For more information, visit: http://www.lewisfuneralhomes.net/book-of-memories/3076076/Evers-Robert/service-details.php.
