Larry Edward Overton I, 80, of Berrien Center, Michigan, peacefully passed away at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan on Wednesday, December 6, 2023.
He was born Sunday, January 31, 1943 in South Bend, Indiana to the late Jack Norman and Dorothy Laverne (Smith) Overton. Larry grew up in South Bend with his family. He attended Central High School. Shortly after high school, Larry enlisted in the Air Force in 1960. When his enlistment was up he was honorably discharged in 1964.
Larry married the love of his life, Patricia Dawn True on September 22, 1962 in South Bend. Larry and Patricia had 4 sons, Larry II, David, Steven, and Roberto. The family moved to Berrien Center, Michigan in February, 1970, where Larry and Patricia have resided since then. Larry was a sheet metal worker and was employed by Troeger before going to work at Bendix, in South Bend, in the maintenance department, a position he held until he retired.
Larry’s passions in his life were his love for God, his wife and his family. His love for life was demonstrated by his whimsical humor, jokes and laughter. He felt it was his mission to make sure everyone he met had a smile on their face before he was done talking to them. He was especially good at making everyone he was talking to feel like they were the most special person in the world. Larry was also known for his selflessness, and would drop everything to help anyone in need, and he could fix ANYTHING. His grandchildren had a saying, “If Grandpa can’t fix it, it can’t be fixed.” This brings up another of his life’s passions; his tools. He had at least two of everything.
Larry was the ultimate example on how a man should adore his wife. His devotion to Patricia was at the forefront of his every thought. Side-by-side, Larry and Patricia created a welcoming environment of love. It did not matter if you were blood-related or not. If you were in their life, they considered you family and there was always room for more. There are countless people who consider them Mom and Dad or Grandma and Grandpa. Their loving and welcoming hearts will be dearly missed by everyone who knew them.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Dawn (True) Overton, both of his parents, Jack Norman and Dorothy Laverne (Smith) Overton, his brother Richard, and sister Michelle.
He is survived by his sons and their spouses, Larry and Chris, David and Patty, Steven and Julie Gard, and Roberto and Rachel, 7 grandchildren; Jerod, Steven II, Brandi, Savannah, Roberto Jr., Cielo, and Karl, 5 great-grandchildren; Leah, Raeghan, Thaniel, Emmet and Damien and his brothers and sisters; Robert, Denise, Rhonda and Jack.
A public visitation will be held for Larry on Saturday, December 16, 2023, starting at 2:00 p.m. at Apostolic Lighthouse Church in Dowagiac, MI. with Memorial Services beginning at 3:00 p.m. The service will be officiated by Rev. David Helmuth.
A meal will be served immediately following.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Tupelo Children’s Mansion in Tupelo, Mississippi. https://mansionkids.org/give/tribute-gifts/
Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles.
Services
Visitation
Saturday, December 16, 2023
2:00PM – 3:00PM
Apostolic Lighthouse
30402 M-62 West Dowagiac, MI 49047
Memorial Service
Saturday, December 16, 2023
3:00PM
Apostolic Lighthouse
30402 M-62 West Dowagiac, MI 49047