John Overlease 1926 —2014
John Calvin Overlease, formerly of Hotchkiss, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 8. He was 88.
A funeral service will be held Saturday, Oct. 18 at 2 p.m. at the Taylor Funeral Service Chapel in Delta, with Pastor Bruce Dunsdon officiating. Interment will follow at the Mesa View Cemetery. Military Honors will be done by the Lee Marts V.F.W. Post # 3571.
John was born May 9, 1926 to Cecil and Wava (Rodabaugh) Overlease in Loveland, Colo. He attended grade school in Vona and Denver.
During WWII he enlisted in the United States Navy, V-6 USNR, Seaman 1st Class. He served in the Philippines and operated a U boat.
In 1947 he married Myrna Smelker. They made their home in Kit Carson County and Evergreen before retiring in Hotchkiss to farm and ranch. He worked for the county and road departments. In later years, he saved a snack in his dinner bucket for eager grandchildren waiting at home. He enjoyed farming, fishing, football, hunting, and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
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After Myrna’s passing, John was cared for by his eldest son/daughter-in-law in Eagle. He was a member of the Redeemer Lutheran Church and later the Eagle Baptist Church.
Mr. Overlease is survived by four children; sons, James (Ann) of Eagle and Rick (Sandra) of Norris, Montana; daughters, Janice (Kim) Tribble of Olathe and Julie (David) Bonine of Delta; brother, Cecil of Truth or Consequences, N.M.; sister, Lila Rahmoeller of Lakewood; 13 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Ed, Virgil, and Donald; sister, Donna, infant daughter, Mary Lee; and his love of 64 years, Myrna.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Home Care and Hospice of the Valley P.O. Box 1474, Edwards, CO 81632.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory.
View the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at taylorfuneralservice.com
