OVERMAN, James R.: Died 1938

OVERMAN, HILL, ROBERTS, MCCLURG

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 8/25/2014 at 07:01:22

**Handwritten: KEO REP 3 MAR 1938

James R. Overman

James Roberts Overman, son of Roy S. and Phyllis Overman, was born in Keosauqua, Iowa, March 11, 1919, and died on February 1st, 1938, age 18 years, 10 months and twenty days.

Besides his father and mother he is survived by the following: Caroline Overman Hill, sister, and Ronald C. Hill, his brother-in-law, of Clarinda, Iowa; his grandfather, James M. Overman, Keosauqua; his aunt, Bess Overman of Keosauqua; his aunt, Mrs. F.M. McClurg and uncle Dr. F.M. McClurg of Keosauqua; his only cousin Dr. Haven McClurg and is wife of Fairfield, Iowa; and four uncles and their wives as follows: Dr. and Mrs. Ralph Smith Roberts, of San Diego, California; Mr. and Mrs. Fred Roberts of Los Angeles, California; Mr. and Mrs. C.M. Roberts, of Arcadia, California; Mr. and Mrs. Frank W. Roberts of Riverside, California.

Practically all of his life was spent in Keosauqua. He attended the High School in Keosauqua from which he graduated in 1936. The summer of 1936 he spent in California, returning to Iowa in the fall, he entered Parsons College and attended there the year 1936-37. Since last spring he has been assisting his father in his work in his store in Keosauqua and had planned to resume his work in College next fall. he was a member of Zeta Theta Gamma fraternity of Parsons College.

He was christened in and was a member of the Congregational Church of Keosauqua, Iowa, and upon the discontinuance of the regular services of this church he became an attendant of the Methodist church of Keosauqua.

He was an active and energetic young man. During his school years in Keosauqua and from the time he was twelve until he was sixteen years of age he was carrier for the Des Moines Register and Tribune. He was never an idler, he was always busy. He was of a constructive mind, doing something of a constructive nature. His idea of life was to build, rather than tear down.

He was a fine up-right young man, gentlemanly, pleasing, courtteous(sp), thoughtful of the rights and comforts of others of a cheery and happy disposition, he radiated good cheer and made friends everywhere and was respected and loved by all who knew him.

Stunned beyond comprehension at the news of his tragic taking, the whole community is now shrouded in appalling grief, as the realization dawns that this clean-cut young citizen, with so much of promise and hope before him is cut off. While all deeply mourn, all are consoled and comforted in the consciousness of his sincere christian character, the memory of which will always be sacredly cherished.

Funeral services were held at the Methodist Episcopal church in Keosauqua, Thursday afternoon in charge of the pastor, Rev. C. Hugo Orf. Burial was in the family lot in Purdom cemetery.

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book D, Page 94, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA