William Overton Obituary

William S. Overton, "Grandpa Bill," 78, died at the Lake District Hospital Oct. 6, 2008, with his children beside him.
Bill was born Aug. 31, 1930 in Lakeview, a son of Cleo "Dell" Overton and Helen Margaret (Rugg) Overton.
He was raised and educated in Lakeview. His younger years were spent living and working in Valley Falls at what is now the River's End Ranch. Bill and his family moved into Lakeview when he went to work for the USDA Forest Service. He worked for the government for 22 years before retiring and returning to his true passion of ranching with his son James.
On Feb. 25, 1950 Bill married his soul mate, Yvonne "Bonnie" Coderre. They shared a great adventure together for five years.
Bill was crazy about family, and making time for them was a priority. He loved to go fishing and hunting with his own kids and when he had grandkids it was his joy to take them and teach them how to fish. He enjoyed riding his horses and, along with Bonnie, looked forward to spring when all the new foals and calves came into the world. He also looked forward to December and going to the National Finals Rodeo.
He had one last dream fulfilled when he was able to see and be next to a Clydesdale this last August.
Bill had another passion with his little dogs. He was always seen out and around Lakeview walking or taking them for a drive! We will miss that sight.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Yvonne "Bonnie" Overton, two sisters Barbara Strieby and Allison Cornmesser, one brother, James Richard "Jimmy Dick" Overton.
Survivors include: son and daughter-in-law, James R. and Leah Overton of Lakeview; daughter and son-in-law Debra "Debbie" and Rick Rector of Seattle; son William M. "Bill" Overton of Lakeview; brother and sister-in-law Hig and Dora (Strieby) Overton of Burns; six grandchildren, Kristen Overton Wells and husband Mark of Lakeview, Christopher Neil Overton of Beaverton, Tracy Haskins Kent and husband Pat of Chicago, Jessica Haskins and fiancé Matt of Lake Chelan, Wash., Michelle Overton of Vancouver, Wash., and William R. "Billy" Overton of Salem; and two great-grandchildren, Caiden Hogue of Lakeview and Rusty Overton of Beaverton.
He also is survived by his most faithful little companion "Pooh Bear" and numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of his life will be held at the Westside Cemetery Saturday Oct. 11, 2008, at 1 pm.
Memorials for Bill may be made to the Lakeview Disaster Unit P.O. Box 1007 Lakeview, OR 97630 or to a charity of the donor's choice.
Ousley Osterman Huffstutter Funeral Director's in charge of arrangements.