Thomas David Overton, Jr.

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Thomas David Overton, Jr.

Fri, 07/23/2021 - 23:16
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December 20, 1927 - November 1, 2020

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Thomas D. (Tom) Overton Jr. was born in Oil Hill, Kansas to Thomas D. and Thelma Overton. He was the third of four children, with older brother Hollis (Berniece), older sister Joy (Bill), and younger sister Pat (Gene). Tom was very close to his family and spent many happy hours with them.

Tom began his education in a two-room schoolhouse and never stopped learning. His is a graduate of El Dorado High School and obtained a business degree from the Kansas State University. Although he started his business career as an accountant, he jumped at the opportunity to learn about computers in the early 1960’s. Tom also became a CPA and earned a Master’s degree in Business from the University of Texas - Arlington. He was in the ROTC during college and served in the Army during the Korean War.

Tom was lucky in love, with two marriages lasting over 25 years each. He met Barbara Phyllis Campbell while taking dancing lessons at the Authur Murray Studio in Wichita, Kansas. They married in 1954 and made their home primarily in Dallas, Texas. Tom had two children with Phyllis, David and Barbara. The family moved to Ponca City, Oklahoma in 1976. The marriage ended when Phyllis passed away. Tom then met Rosemary Brann of Ponca City. They were married on March 28, 1984 and also made their home in Ponca City. Tom gained two stepchildren in the marriage, Bobbie and Bill.

He had a long career in accounting and business analysis. His last position before retirement was with Frontier Federal Savings and Loan in Ponca City, Oklahoma. One of his co-workers recalled her time working with Tom when the computer took up the second floor of the Frontier Federal Building. Responsible for the systems for 17 branches at a time when computers were new to many people, Tom was able to explain complicated ideas to people in an understandable way.

Tom was active in his church, was an adult leader in the Boy Scouts and was active with the Elks, serving in several leadership roles including two terms as Exalted Ruler of the Ponca City chapter and also held a national office. In 2010, he was named Oklahoma Elk of the Year for this work as youth activities chair. This work included responsibility for the scholarship program for the Ponca City Elks. He knew the power of education and worked hard to help local children achieve their educational goals. He was an avid and accomplished bridge player. Tom enjoyed traveling and visited 49 states and many other countries.

After a long and accomplished life, Tom passed away at 92 years of age.

Mr. Overton is survived by, and will be greatly missed by, his friends and family, including his wife Rosemary; son Thomas D. Overton III (David) and his wife, Mary Overton; daughter Barbara Overton and her husband, Robert Murray; his stepchildren Bobbie Tharp Carter and Bill Tharp; four grandchildren (Elizabeth Nielsen, Thomas D. Overton IV (Tom), Michael Murray and Sarah Murray); and three great-grandchildren (Jillian Nielsen, Penelope Nielsen and Thomas D. Overton V (Quint)).

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 31, 2021 at 1:00 PM at the First Presbyterian Church in Ponca City. Those unable to attend the Funeral Ceremony, may attend virtually on the Trout Funeral Home website, www.troutfuneralhome.com and click on the live-stream or toolbar icon on the top right corner after 12:45 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Elks Lodge, 3612 Lake Road, Ponca City, OK 74604.

Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory, 505 W Grand Ave, Ponca City, OK 74601.

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