Search by Name

Search by Name

Frederick Overton Obituary

Overton, Frederick "Fred" H. Frederick "Fred" H. Overton passed peacefully on October 17, 2014. He was 67 years old, content with a life that had faced change and challenge honorably and with good humor every day. Fred was born in Dowagiac, MI, along with his twin brother, William "Bill", on April 18, 1947. The announcement of their birth was shared with the family through the Western Union Telegraph, as the Telephone Workers were on strike and no phones worked! In 1961, the Overton family moved to Decatur, MI where Fred graduated from Decatur High in 1966. He made many life-long friends during those years, where he met his bride of 40 years, Donna Maywood, whom he married on May 11, 1974. After graduating from Decatur High and attending Southwestern Michigan College, Fred voluntarily enlisted in the U.S. Army, taking his basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. He earned his stripes as an infantryman in Vietnam from October 1968 to October 1969 with Delta Company, 198th LIB, 1/52 of the Americal Division, meriting the revered Combat Infantry Badge. Fred retired in 2004 after 24 years with the Upjohn Company (later, Pfizer). Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Lyle Overton and Frances (Fiscus) Overton and his sister, Lyla (William) Fox. He is survived by his wife, Donna Overton; son, Scott (Laura) Overton of Toronto, Canada; his brothers, William (Lynn) Overton of Jefferson City, MO and Richard (Dolores) Overton of Decatur, MI; his sisters, Debbe (Ryan) Davis of Sunrise, AZ and Sarah Jane (Sally) Whitman of Marathon, FL as well as an extended family of nieces, nephews, friends and canine kids, Casey and Dori, whom he loved very much. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 AM, November 8, 2014 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 500 W. St. Mary's St., Decatur, followed by Military Rites conducted by VFW Celery City Post #6248 and American Legion Post #309 of Decatur at the church, followed by a lunch gathering at the Decatur VFW, where Fred was a lifetime member. Memorials may be made to the Decatur VFW Endowment Fund or a charity of the donor's choice. Arrangements by Newell Funeral Home, Decatur.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Kalamazoo Gazette from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Frederick Overton

Not sure what to say?





0 Entries

Be the first to post a memory or condolences.

Make a Donation
in Frederick Overton's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for Frederick Overton

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Frederick's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Frederick Overton's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more