Owen Overton, Jr.

Overton, Owen F., Jr. Entered his Lord's loving presence on his 78th birthday, March 6, 2010 after a long struggle with a rare form of cancer. Owen was born in Mountain Pine, AR in 1932. After graduating from Hot Springs High School, he served in the U. S. Army at the time of the Korean conflict. He graduated from Little Rock University and from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Ft. Worth, TX. Owen was an electrical journeyman lineman for Arkansas Power & Light and Arizona Public Service as well as Safety-consultant. He then was the Safety Supervisor for the Central Arizona Division of Southwest Gas. After retiring from SWG, he was a Consultant for Northern Pipeline. Owen was also a commercial pilot and a flight instructor. But his favorite life work was as a well-loved, bi-vocational pastor of small churches: Murphy Baptist Church, Plano, TX; 1st Baptist Church, Indian Springs, NV; White Tanks Baptist Church; West Glendale Baptist Church; and 107th Ave. Baptist Church, all here in the Valley. Owen is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Shirli, and four children: Joni Huff, Robert (Nancy); Tammy Schaapman (Garret), and James, as well as grandchildren Rob and Ron Huff; Aaron and Lauren Overton; Dan Camara; Katherine and Nathan Schaapman; and Aliesha Dream Overton. His sister, Reba Bates of Memphis, TN, also survives him as well as many nieces and nephews. Our family will be forever grateful for the loving care of Hospice of the Valley, Team T, and the entire organization for all their excellent care and compassion. A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church, Sun City, 11019 West Peoria Ave., Sun City, AZ on Thursday at 11:00 a.m.In lieu of flowers, Owen asked that contributions be made in his name to the American Cancer Society.