Richard "Dick" Lee Overton

Richard Lee "Dick" Overton, age 82, of Cove, died Monday, December 6, 2004 at his home. A celebration of life will begin on Monday, December 13, 2004 at 1:00 p.m. at Daniels Chapel of the Valley. Committal and interment will follow at the Cove Cemetery. Viewing will be held on Sunday, December 12, 2004 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Daniels Chapel of the Valley. Those who wish may make contributions in his name to the Cove Fire Department or the Oregon Lung Association.

Mr. Overton was born on November 29, 1922, the son of Charles and Veda (Ballew) Overton in Princeton, Missouri. During World War II he served with the United States Army Air Corps in which he flew 35 missions in enemy territory over Europe as a B-17 Ball Turret Gunner. His honors included Southern France Normandy Rhineland Air Offensive Europe Medal, American Theater Service Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal with 4 Bronze Stars, Air Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, World War II Victory Medal and Distinguished Flying Cross. On November 20, 1946 he married Bronna Mae Johnson in Olatha, Kansas. In 1949 they moved to Cove and he worked for Electric Service Company and B Electric before operating his own business, Overton Electric in 1971. In 1983 he sold his business to his son and continued to work for him until 2002.

Mr. Overton served on the Cove Fire Department and was its first Chief. He was a charter member of the Cove Sportsman Club, served on the Cove School Board for 8 years and served one term on the City Council. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and fishing and his grandchildren. He hunted on the Minam for 52 years and got his deer this hunting season. He also enjoyed trips to Winnemucca and Jackpot. His wife preceded him in death in September of 2000.

Survivors include his children, Louise and Frank (deceased) Foster of Marysville, Washington, Regina and Gordon Hearing of Cove and Ron and Brenda Overton of Cove; grandchildren, Hank Foster, Gina Estey, James Edwards, Justin Edwards, Jeremie Overton, Dawn Marie Overton; 16 great grandchildren; sisters, Marilyn McCulley De Moines, Iowa and Phyetta Smith of Unionville, Missouri; and other relatives and friends. Six siblings preceded him in death.