Jerry Dwayne Overman

Jerry Dwayne Overman was born on February 3, 1940, to Fred Robert Overman and Mavis Nixon Overman. He was the oldest of five brothers: Berle, Merle, Freddie, and Marlin. Although Merle passed away shortly after birth, the remaining Overman brothers shared a close bond and left a lasting legacy.

On August 25, 1957, Dwayne married the love of his life, Sandra Sue Underwood. Together they built a life centered on faith, hard work, and family. They had three children: William Wayne, lovingly known as Skeeter, who passed away in 1981, and their surviving children, Sherry Lynn and Jerry Cliff. Sandra passed away in 2017, just six months before what would have been their 60th wedding anniversary.

In June 2018, Dwayne married Kathie Bush, and together they shared eight wonderful years of marriage, celebrating their anniversary just last month. Kathie loved Dwayne wholeheartedly and faithfully stood by his side through every season of life. She lovingly cared for him in his later years, put up with his stubborn streak, and filled his days with companionship. Our family is deeply grateful for the love, patience, and joy she brought into his life, and for the countless ways she cared for him until the very end.

Dwayne was an exceptional man and was known as one of the best mechanics Texaco ever had. Throughout his life, he faced moments that tested his strength and faith. On May 22, 1967, while working at the Mabee Gas Plant near Midland, he risked his own life to save countless coworkers by returning to a burning engine room to shut off the gas feeding the fire. Later, he told us that as he escaped, he looked into the sky and saw a Supreme Being watching over him. He also felt the presence of evil beside him, trying to discourage him by laughing at him, but even in that moment, God protected him. Five years later, he survived another life threatening accident while hauling a trailer load of livestock. Despite suffering devastating injuries and doctors believing he would not survive, God had other plans. Dwayne's life was a powerful reminder of courage, faith, and God's protection.

His faith was the foundation of his life. Dwayne faithfully served as a deacon for many years and participated in numerous Texas Baptist Men mission trips. Through his service, he shared the love of Christ and touched countless lives. He and Sandra dearly loved Lake Leon Baptist Church, and our family is grateful for the church family who loved and served alongside them.

More than anything, Dwayne loved his family. He worked from daylight until dark to provide for them and taught the value of hard work, honesty, and helping others. One of the greatest titles he ever held was Poppy. He was proud of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and never missed a chance to brag about them. If you visited, he would likely make you breakfast before you left. He loved gathering around the table for a game of Pegs and Jokers, and he was always fiddling with something, building something, or fixing something that probably did not need fixing. He loved making pear honey and baking cakes, often creating something out of whatever ingredients he could gather up. We were always pleasantly surprised by what ended up in his creations, like the time he made apple cobbler out of tortillas. He was also a master horse trader, always ready for a good deal and a good story. No matter what he was making or fixing, Poppy was happiest when he was creating, sharing, and taking care of the people he loved.

Dwayne leaves behind a beautiful legacy through his family. He is survived by his children, Sherry & Davy Davidson and Jerry & Angela Overman. His grandchildren include Lacie & John Smith, along with their children, Grace, Jaxon, and Avery; Jordan and his sons, William and Jacob; and through his son Jerry, his children Ryley & Courtney Overman, Russell & Alexsandra Overman, and Sydney, and his great-grandchildren Ava, Brendan, Cara, Delilah, Eden, and Michael. His children of heart: Edward & Connie, Cindy Underwood, Scott, Cory, JJ (d.), Alicia, Jacob, and the generations that follow. He also leaves behind his beloved family by heart: his wife Kathie's children, Cody & Kenna Bush and Sicily & Gary Davis, and their children; Kai, Paul, Lathan, Keycen, Emily, and Nick. Though not all were connected by blood, each held a special place in Dwayne's heart and was loved as family.

His courage, generosity, unwavering faith, and deep love for his family defined his life. He showed us what it meant to work hard, serve others, and trust God through every season. Though we will miss him dearly, we rejoice in knowing he is finally home with his Savior, reunited with Sandra, Skeeter, and all those who went before him. His legacy will live on in the family he loved so deeply and in the countless lives he touched along the way.

In lieu of flowers please donate to Lake Leon Baptist Church, 2201 FM-2214, Eastland, Texas 76448. Phone number 254-271-9509.

Visitation will be Thursday, July 23, 2026 at Edwards Funeral Home in Eastland from 5 until 7:00 p.m. Funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday at Lake Leon Baptist Church, followed by burial at Staff Cemetery.