John Willis Overmiller

John Willis Overmiller was born the youngest to Willis and Myrtle Carlson Overmiller on April 11, 1930 on the Overmiller family farm in the Thornburg community. He had a brother, Carroll and a sister, Masel. He departed this life on January 30, 2026 at the Smith County Memorial Hospital in Smith Center. His age was 95 years.

He was baptized in the Republican river by his uncle, Hugh Dierdorff on February 13, 1938 with several of his cousins. He attended the United Brethren in Christ Church in Thornburg. The church was founded by his grandparents, John and Perces Bryan Overmiller along with Mr. and Mrs. Ed Kimball and Mrs. John Dierdorff. He attended the Thornburg school through eighth grade. The one room school was located one mile west from the family farm. He graduated from Smith Center High School in 1948. He was president of FFA, a State Farmer and participated in football, softball and track. His first paying job at age 14 was at the Thornburg store and his wages were 75 cents per day.

On June 24, 1952 he married the love of his life, Joan Schoen at Oceanside, California. He was stationed at Camp Pendleton in San Diego, before going overseas to serve his country in the Korean War for eleven months. He operated a 105 Howitzer gun. He was very proud to be a Marine. He enlisted on January 10, 1952 and was honorably discharged on January 10, 1954. When returning home from the war he spent the remainder of his service at Fort McAllister, Oklahoma guarding and chasing prisoners. To this union, they were blessed with three children, Kimberly Ann, Curtis Neil and Kristi Sue.

John spent his life farming, ranching and banking. He worked at the bank during the day and headed to the farm where he spent many hours. He cared for the land and was known for his straight fences. He loved working hard and his children always thought that must have been his hobby. His banking career at the First National Bank in Smith Center started in 1969 on the board of directors and in 1970 as agriculture representative. John and Joan purchased the First National Bank in 1982. Serving as President and Chairman of the Board until selling the bank in 2014. He continued farming and ranching with his son, Curtis. He enjoyed his two 62 Chevy Impala convertibles and his Camaro and was escort for the King and Queen on Old Settler's Day for 32 years. One year he had the opportunity to escort Bob Dole and his wife during the parade.

His legacy lives on. A true role model for his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Led by example – how to be strong, value hard work, be compassionate and most of all kind. He loved to tease his grandchildren, nieces and nephews. John's passing leaves a tremendous void in the lives of his family and friends who so often turned to him for advice. Our lives are better for having known him and the world a better place while he was here. "Don't Forget Where You Come From is instilled in his family forever!!!"

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Joan; parents, Willis and Myrtle Overmiller; brothers, Ernest ( at birth) and Carroll Overmiller; and sister Masel Fellows.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Kim and husband Burke Phelps; his son, Curtis and wife Teri Overmiller; and daughter, Kristi and husband Gayle Jones. Grandchildren: Raquel Phelps, Shawn Phelps, Alexis and John Kirn, Simone and Mark McMullen, Johnilen and Chad Gourley, Lucas and Rachel Jones, Hana and Seth Mach. Great grandchildren: Jaden Schachterle, Gracie Schachterle, Kaylen Gourley, Kenadee Gourley, Landon Gourley, Lily Mc Mullen, Korbin McMullen, Sunny Mach, Ford Mach, Bowen Mach, Lottie Mae Mach, Faber Jones, Kroy Jones and Faye Jones. Step-grandchildren: Chris Brown and Matt Brown. Step- great grandson, Paxton Brown. A host of nieces, nephews, family members and friends.

John's steadfast character and wisdom were assets he gave to the many and varied boards on which he served including First National Bank of Smith Center, Guaranty State Bank and Trust Company, Srader Foundation, ASCS Board, Smith Center, Inc., Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, A Paul Harris Fellow, and Athol Coop. Joan and him were founders of the Smith County Community Foundation. He was a member of the American Lutheran Church, VFW, American Legion and Mt. Suribachi Det 105 Marine Corps League.