Dr. Ralph Overman

OHIO - Dr. Ralph Theodore Overman, distinguished scientist, beloved husband and wonderful father, passed away February 19, 2007 in Dublin, Ohio at age 87. He was pre-deceased by his parents, Cecil and Elva Cole Overman, first wife Frances Henson, two brothers, Vaughn and Marion, and sister Ruth Hogan.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Dorothy Planten Sugerbaker. He is also survived by his son Ralph Theodore, Jr. (Ted) Overman and wife Julie, and his daughter, Ann Scott and husband Lane, stepsons, Evan Sugarbaker and David Sugarbaker and wife Elaine. He is also survived by one brother, Robert and wife Bernice Overman, as well as sisters-in-law Margaret Overman and Della Overman. He is survived by four grandchildren, Jason Overman, Alex Sugarbaker, Michael Sugarbaker and Allan Sugarbaker and wife Cheryl, as well as a great-granddaughter, Emma and numerous other nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives.

His memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. on March 11, 2007 at Friendship Village, 6000 Riverside Drive, Colorado, Ohio. Donations to the Northwest Christian Church, Columbus, Ohio, to Hospice, to the American Cancer Society, or to the Scholarship Fund at Friendship Village of Dublin are requested in lieu of flowers.

Dr. Overman had a distinguished career in nuclear science and medicine. He received a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry and Physics from Louisiana State University, an honoary D.Sc. from Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science and held the position of Associate Professor Emeritus at St. Louis University School of Medicine in Nuclear Medicine. He served as Senior Research Scientist at Oak Ridge National Laboratories, and was Chairman of the Special Training Division of the Oak Ridge Institute of Nuclear Studies (now Oak Ridge Associated Universities) from 1948-1965. He also served with the Veterans Administration. Dr. Overman was a lecturer on nuclear medicine in 20 countries for the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Atomic Energy Commission, as well as the International Atomic Energy Agency. Dr. Overman was a charter member, fellow and editorial advisor of the American Nuclear Society. He was a member of the American Chemical Society and of advisory boards for numerous of its publications. He was a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and of the American College of Nuclear Physicians. He was a charter member of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and the American College of Nuclear Physicians. He has been listed in the American Men of Science, World Who's Who in Science, Chemical Who's Who, Leaders in American Science, Who's Who in the South and Southeast, Who's Who in Atoms and the Dictionary of International Biography. He authored numerous scientific articles and co-authored the book “Radioisotope Techniques" which was translated into several languages. He authored the books, “Basic Concepts of Nuclear Chemistry", and “Who am I? The Faith of A Scientist." Dr. Overman was available as a substitute church pianist and organist for 65 years and played the string bass in various community symphony orchestras for 45 years. He was a member of the Rotary Club. He and his wife have traveled extensively, been active in many community associations and have many friends. He will be truly missed by his family and by many others worldwide.

Arrangements by Schoedinger Northwest Chapel, 1740 Zollinger Road, Columbus, OH.