June 9, 1927 – January 26, 2020
On Sunday, January 26, 2020, Richard “Dick” Overholser, loving husband and father of three, passed away at the age of 92.
Dick was born in Red Oak, Iowa, on June 9, 1927 to Alice (Sprague) and Ralph Overholser. He graduated from Red Oak High School where he ably competed in football, basketball, golf and track. Dick honorably served for 14 months in the U.S. Navy. He was dubbed “Squanchy” by his fellow sailors. When the war ended, Dick was on the USS Mormac Dove in route from the Philippines to the USA. Dick graduated from the University of Iowa in 1950. He married Joan Fraseur on September 5, 1949. They raised two sons, Richard and Robert, and one daughter, Sara (Tharp).
At the age of 8, Dick and his sister Joan created the “world famous” Club of Good Cheer with Joan as President and Dick as Vice-President. (Dick lost a very close run-off vote for President in 1935. We think his sister stuffed the ballot box). They were good buddies and only they knew the workings of the Club of Good Cheer.
Dick and Joan, his wife of 70 years, raised their family in Charles City, Iowa, and South Bend, Ind. Dick was very active within the Charles City community and served as President of the Iowa Area Council of Management Clubs, Chairman of the Floyd County Draft Board, member of the Charles City School Board, President of the Oliver Management Club, Worshipful Master of the Masonic Lodge, Chairman of the Floyd County University of Iowa Alumni Club and President of the Charles City Country Club.
Dick spent most of his work life as a purchasing manager for Oliver/White Farm Equipment, Cabot Corporation and PT Components. He worked diligently and developed lasting relationships with suppliers and fellow employees.
Dick loved sports and the competition that sports provide. He was an avid golfer, bowler and tennis player. He grew up playing table tennis round robins with his family and neighborhood friends. This competition served him well as he won the University of Iowa table tennis singles title from 1948 to 1950. In addition, he was an ardent Hawkeye fan and followed his team through the good and bad times.
Dick was preceded in death by his father, Ralph; his mother, Alice; and one great-grandchild, Joey Tharp.
Dick is survived by his wife, Joan; his sister, Joan Houghton; his sons, Richard and Robert (Laura); his daughter, Sara (Bart) Tharp; along with nine grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Family and friends are invited to visitation from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, January 30 at Randall & Roberts Funeral Home, 1150 Logan St., Noblesville. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 31, at Noblesville First United Methodist Church, 2051 Monument St., Noblesville. Visitation will begin at the church one hour prior to funeral services. Interment will follow at Crownland Cemetery in Noblesville.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 50 E. 91st St., Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46240.
Arrangements
Calling: 5 to 7 p.m., Jan. 30; 10 to 11 a.m., Jan. 31
Location: Randall & Roberts Funeral Home
Service: 11 a.m., Jan. 31
Location: Noblesville First United Methodist Church
Condolences: randallroberts.com