Sherman Overton Jr.

Saturday, September 15, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church Family Life Center, Vandalia, Missouri 63382.
Officiating will be: Rev. Jeffrey Mims.
Music provided by: church choir.
Interment of his cremains will take place at a later date.
Pallbearers: William Wheeler, Ronnie Greene, Roger Chatman, Justin Overton, Joseph Overton, Timothy Letcher, Curtis Kerr and Andrea Salmon.

Sherman Overton Jr. passed away with family at his side at 3:05 a.m. on Friday, September 7, 2007 at the Tri-County Care Center in Vandalia, Missouri. After attending area schools, Sherman started to work at Harbison Walker Refractories in Vandalia in 1948 in the press room. Later that year he joined the U. S. Army and became a part of the Army's boxing team that travelled all over the world. Sherman won the 1952 Golden Gloves New York-Chicago Intercity Champion in the 175 pound class. He had 14 professional fights until his father's health forced him to leave boxing and return to Vandalia. Sherman had been a sparring partner for many of the professional boxers during the mid-1950's. Once returning to Vandalia, he went back to work at Harbison Walker in the press room and machine shop. Sherman completed over 47 years at H/W prior to his retirement. He was a member of the Second Baptist Church and enjoyed boxing, fishing and spending time with family.

Born: May 15, 1931 in New Hartford, Missouri the son of Sherman and Ada (Chatman) Overton Sr.

Married: Martha Ilene Bell in Bowling Green on May 11, 1956; she survives.

Survivors include: wife, Martha of Vandalia; step-mother, Virgie Overton of Vandalia; four sons, William and wife, Cathy Overton of Vandalia; Timothy W. Overton of Clayton, Missouri; Sherman and wife, Twila Overton III of Mexico, Missouri; Elmo L. Overton of Columbia, Missouri; two daughters, Mona and husband, Gregory Hale of Vandalia; Stephanie Terrell of Vandalia; one brother, James Overton of Cole Valley, Illinois; one sister, Irene Quarterman of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; 14 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; also survived by a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Preceded in death by: four brothers, John Overton, Bob Overton, Issac Wm. Overton and Joshua Overton; four sisters, Mary Lou Overton, Claudine Overton, Laura Mae Connors and Floretta Overton.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are encouraged to the Alzheimer's Association, 1121 Business Loop 70 East, Columbia, Missouri 65201.