Lynne Overman

Lynne Overman passed away at his home on April 9, 2022, knowing he was greatly loved. He was a wonderful man; even 83 years seemed too short a time to have him on this earth. Lynne will be dearly missed by his children Tamara, Joel, Byron, and Monique, as well as his daughters of the heart, Ragnhild, Ji Soo, and ML; his grandchildren Cody Lockett, Wray and Ben Wickizer, Morgan and Marlow Overman, Grace and Claire Kueker; his great-grandchildren Ryann Lockett, Ruby and Madelyn Wickizer; and other relatives and so many friends. To him, anyone he met was a friend, and a stranger was just another person who might become one. He was preceded in death by his soul mate, Doreen. Born on a farm in Eskridge, Kansas, on October 25,1938, Lynne was the youngest child of Ray and Esther Overman. He is survived by one of his six siblings, Benita Essary, and preceded in death by Doris Bell Jackson, Betty Jeane Hendricks, Jo Manspeaker, Richard Overman, and Darrell Overman. The family moved to Topeka in 1943, where Lynne lived the rest of his life, the last 55 years in the same home in the College Hill neighborhood. Lynne graduated from Topeka High School in 1956. Lynne spent most of his career as a self-employed building contractor; he didn't just build the homes, but crafted them. He learned his love of woodworking from his father, and Lynne passed that love on by training many young people throughout the years. He was proud of his craft and enjoyed showing pictures of his creations (especially a wine rack that held his 120 bottles). He found fulfillment through his life in building, and he appreciated the relationships he formed with his clients. Later in life, he worked at Capital City High School with Doreen, where he helped troubled youth. He continued appreciating relationships with people more than anything else. On December 26, 1960, Lynne married Doreen, the love of his life, at Grace Episcopal Cathedral. He started attending the cathedral after he met her, and the church was an essential part of his family. Lynne sang excellent bass in the choir, made a dapper, smiling usher, was a vestry member, helped with church camp, played on the baseball team, and lent a hand whenever needed. Lynne had a deep love of God, and he was most in awe of God in nature. When traveling, he had a deep appreciation for the scenery, seeing things many others might miss. A Jack of all Trades and a Master of Many, Lynne enjoyed fishing, cooking for friends and family, playing bridge, being with his dogs, traveling, working on old cars, drinking coffee with his buddies, dancing, watching KU basketball, and telling stories to anyone who would listen (and for as long as they would listen). However, he still had many things he wanted to do: play more pickleball, see the beluga whales in Canada, restore and drive his Studebaker Goldenhawk, and visit Sanibel Island (and maybe the Galápagos Islands while he was island hopping). It is evident Lynne lived a wonderful and full life. He touched the lives of many, and he was a joy to be around for all who knew him. Lynne always had time to help someone, listen, and share a good story. The world is a better place for him having been in it. Please join us to celebrate Lynne's amazing life at Grace Episcopal Cathedral on Sunday, April 24, 2022, at 2:30 pm. You are welcome to stay after for a reception and share stories about Lynne's life. If you are unable to attend, join us virtually by raising a glass to Lynne's beautiful spirit wherever you are. Memorial donations can be made to Grace Cathedral or the JDRF