Mark Delane Evans

Mark D. Evans September 5, 1956 – May 15, 2025

Mark D. Evans, 68, of Charlottesville, VA passed away in the early morning on May 15, 2025. He was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend. He leaves behind a legacy marked by discipline, creativity and passion. Mark was preceded in death by his devoted and loving mother, Jewel F. Evans and survived by his father, Max D. Evans of Charlottesville; his brother Joel H. Evans (Maureen) of Mt. Pleasant, SC; his brother Aaron D. Evans (Joanie) of Charlottesville; and a loving sister, Margo Evans Eppard (Randy) of Charlottesville; nephews, Will Eppard of San Diego, CA; Alex Eppard of Las Vegas, NV; Eli Evans of Charlottesville; Walker Catlett of Charlottesville and a niece, Morgan Catlett, also of Charlottesville. He is also survived by his lifelong friend, David M. Bailey of Westfield, NJ.

Mark was the oldest of four children, born to Max and Jewel Evans. He was extremely smart, driven, and anything but ordinary – by far the most well behaved of the Evans children. The 1970’s were Mark’s defining decade.

At the age of 14, Mark constructed and raced his first soap box derby car. In July 1970, he won the regional Soap Box Derby race, earning him a coveted place at the All-American Soap Box Derby Championship in Akron, OH. At a young age, this achievement foreshadowed his passion for British sports cars, working many long hours to earn money to purchase and restore several of his own, as a young high school and college student. He was especially proud of his MG TC and MGA, both labors of love.

Mark graduated from Lane High School in 1974. During his senior year, he was honored with the prestigious Westinghouse Award, a national commendation recognizing his excellence in science achievement.

Mark’s academic pursuits led him to the University of Virginia (’78), where he graduated with high honors from the School of Architecture. In the summer of 1977, Mark participated in the first official international study abroad program – the Vicenza program, under the instruction of Professor Mario di Valmarana, an experience he often spoke about. Also, as a member of the UVA Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps, Mark received his commission upon college graduation.

Later that same summer, Mark went on to graduate from the Navy Officer Candidate School (OCS) in Newport, Rhode Island and went on to serve with distinction in the United States Navy, stationed in Coronado, CA aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk.

Prior to his illness, Mark was able to spend a brief time in his profession working under the direction of Dale St. Denis, AIA, St. Denis and Associates in San Diego. He was especially proud having worked on a remodel design of an 1898 Irving Gill designed house, recognized in several professional publications.

Mark was brilliant and lived an intentionally accomplished life prior to him returning to Charlottesville, VA in the 1980’s – to the community and home that he loved, back to the neighborhood where he delivered the local newspaper as a young boy. He enjoyed a private, quiet life traveling, attending oil painting classes, frequently dining at his favorite places, and spending holidays with his loved ones.

The family will hold a private service, where Mark will be laid to rest at Monticello Memory Gardens.

To honor Mark’s memory, please consider donations in Mark’s name to:

Region Ten CSB

Attn: Fiscal

PO Box 164

Charlottesville, VA 22902