Larry Robert Overton

Larry Robert Overton entered heaven with courage and a strong faith on July 12, 2025 in Lakeland, Florida after battling pulmonary fibrosis.

He was born on March 24, 1947 to Orrie & Doris (Cornell) Overton in Hornell, NY. He was a 1965 graduate of Forest Hill High School in WPB, Florida and then went on to serve in the US Air Force for four years as an aircraft mechanic in Viet Nam.

Upon completion of his military stint he went to work for his uncle at Overton Budget Fence for several years and at JC Penney as a salesman, as well as in the feed store of the Burt Reynolds Ranch in Jupiter Florida, before branching out to start his own fence company and later his own lawn maintenance company. In his later years he was employed at the Jupiter Publix as a stock clerk witnessing his faith to customers and fellow employees alike.

Along life's journey he felt the call to become a Local Pastor in the UMC, but ended up fulfilling this call by serving as the Minister of Congregational Care & Senior Ministries, as well as teaching 5th grade Sunday school and other Bible classes at Trinity UMC in Palm Beach Gardens Florida. He was blessed to preach at numerous Methodist and other denominational churches over the years where his story telling homilies encouraged listeners to live out their faith by applying scripture to their daily lives.

Over the years Larry was called to officiate at quite a number of funerals and weddings. One of His most memorable weddings was where the bride was a former 5th grade student of his who had specifically requested her favorite teacher officiate on her special day.

God additionally used his gifts at a small Christian school in W. Jupiter as a spiritual advisor and tutor and at Trinity Christian School where he would deliver Chapel devotions to the students ranging from Pre-School on up.

Larry was active in the Lay Witness Mission Weekends as well as Emmaus and Chrysalis movements where he served in many capacities including Lay Leader of the Weekend.

Larry is survived by his devoted spouse of 54 years Robbin (Romay) Overton; his cherished children Scott (Mary) Overton of Bellevue WA, Stephanie (Marc) Zimmerman of Lakeland FL, Brandon (Jessi) Overton of Layton UT, and Jared Overton of Lakeland FL.; along with his treasured grandchildren Chase, Dylan, Aiden Overton; Brady, Baylee, Brecken Zimmerman; Eion, Emma Overton; and Danyael Overton.

Sisters Susan Craun (deceased), Judy Paul (Rick), Sally Webster (Kirk), Becky Clauss and brother Orrie Overton (Lenora) as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Celebration of Life will be held at Lakeland Funeral Home Chapel on August 9, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. with interment with honors at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL on August 11, 2025.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Compassionate Care Hospice of Central Florida Inc. 212 E. Highland Dr. #105 Lakeland FL.33813 or SE Florida Emmaus/Chrysalis (https://www.seflemmaus.org)