David Gene Overby

David Overby, age 79, of Marion, IL, passed away on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at 7:52 a.m. at Union County Hospital in Anna, IL.

He was born on November 17, 1945, in Herrin, IL, to David Max and Mary Jean (Clark) Overby.

David grew up in Marion and graduated from Marion High School with the Class of 1963. After high school, he attended Southern Illinois University, where he studied drafting in the Vocational Technical Career Program. He later pursued broadcasting school in St. Louis, MO.

David began his career as a weatherman for WSIL Channel 3 and later worked for the Illinois State Board of Elections in Springfield, IL. He eventually moved out west and settled in Glendale, California, where he worked in the television industry as a camera operator. His credits included work on "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous," which gave him the opportunity to meet many well-known personalities. After his time in California, he lived for several years in both Scottsdale and Phoenix, Arizona, before finally returning to Southern Illinois.

David had a deep love for animals, especially cats. He was highly artistic and created exceptional drawings and paintings, often inspired by Japanese culture. His artwork frequently featured Japanese landscapes, portraits of geisha women, and hummingbirds. He had a lifelong love of music and was a talented guitarist and singer. In his younger years, he was a member of a local band called The Chessmen.

Later in life, David developed a deep appreciation for the Japanese language and traditions. He traveled to Japan several times and gained a working knowledge of the language-speaking, reading, and writing at a conversational level. He was especially passionate about samurai swordsmanship and became a dedicated practitioner and teacher of iaido, a traditional Japanese martial art. In 2014, he established his own dojo, which was officially recognized by the main dojo in Himeji, Japan. Through years of committed training, he earned the rank of yondan (4th-degree black belt).

He is survived by his daughter, Melanie (Robby) Porter of Flora, IL; and his grandson, Gabriel Porter. He is also survived by several extended family members and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 North Court Street, Marion, IL.

The visitation will be at Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home on Monday, September 29, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon.

Following the time of visitation on Monday, the funeral service will be at the funeral home at 12:00 noon.

Burial will follow in Lakeview Cemetery in Johnston City, IL.

For those who prefer, the family suggests memorial contributions be directed to the "Alzheimer's Association." Envelopes will be available at the funeral home or may be mailed c/o Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 North Court Street, Marion, IL 62959.

For additional information call the funeral home at 618-993-2131.