Louis J. Overmiller was born June 12, 1931, to Guy William Overmiller and
Inez Barrett Overmiller on the family farm 1 mile east of the Thornburg
Church and Store. He was the first of 6 children and attended
Thornburg country grade school thru 8th grade, graduating from Smith
Center High School in 1949 where he played football and earned his FFA
State Farmer degree.
After completing U.S. Army Basic Training at Fort Riley, KS, he
faithfully served his country in the Korean Conflict where he
established many life-long friendships. Upon his honorable discharge
and return to the States, Louis returned to Beaver Township, Smith
County, Kansas, to farm with his father. He was later introduced to
Marilyn Coleen Gardner, who would shortly thereafter become his bride of
65 years. To this union were born 4 children; 3 boys and 1 girl.
Louis remained actively involved in serving his church and community
throughout his entire adult life. In addition to his leadership in the
local Gideons International, the last service to his church was as
Deacon Emeritus of the Thornburg Community Church. Louis served many
years on the Superior, Nebraska Creamery Board as well as the local
USD#237 School Board. In the mid 80’s, Louis and Marilyn established
Mid-Continent Crop Insurance business in Smith Center, KS which their
granddaughter continues to successfully operate.
Louis loved his family and his farming endeavors, specifically all
aspects of his livestock operations. It was where he felt most at
peace. He loved being able to farm with his father, and was especially
proud to have his oldest son join with him and later turn the farming
operations over to him.
Besides his family, Louis generously invested his life into the
lives of others and knew no enemies. He was considered a faithful man
of God; loved his family and extended family and friends; and always
looked forward to that day he would meet his Heavenly Father
face-to-face.
Louis was preceded in death by his father Guy; his mother, Inez; his
brother, Gary; brother-in-laws Larry Cates and Paul Jones; and nephew,
Matthew S. Overmiller. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn of Smith
Center, KS: sons Mark Overmiller (wife Marci) of Smith Center; Mitch
Overmiller (wife Tiffany) of Edmond, OK; Tim Overmiller (wife Susan) of
Hastings, NE; and daughter Tami Overmiller (Dan Gettemeier) of Maryland
Heights, MO; three sisters, Virginia Cates of Belleville, KS; Joyce
Jones of Smith Center, KS; Lois Unger (husband Duane) of Colby, KS; one
brother, Larry Overmiller (wife Donna) of Haysville, KS; 9
Grandchildren; 5 Great Grandsons; and numerous nieces, nephews and
cousins.
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