David J. Overmyer

David Joseph Overmyer, 63, passed away at his home in Lawrence, Kansas, on April 16, 2021.

He was born on October 19, 1957 in Topeka, Kansas, the son of David and Margaret (Krogman) Overmyer. He was educated in the Rossville, Kansas school system, graduating in 1975, where he excelled as a track and field athlete. He held the Kansas state record in Cross Country racing for several years.

He went on to Kansas State University, where he earned a bachelor's degree from the School of Journalism, in Radio and Television. While attending K-State, he was active in various organizations and was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. After graduating from K-State, he ventured overseas to Seoul, South Korea. He taught English as a Second Language for several years at Yonsei University where he also hosted a Morning Radio Show. He then returned to the United States, and in 1991 earned his master's degree in Education from the University of Kansas. Upon completing his master's degree, he again ventured overseas, this time to Saudi Arabia where he worked for Saudi Aramco Corporation for eighteen years, teaching Preparatory Courses to students who planned to study abroad.

During his time in Saudi Arabia, he learned to sail and even took a 23-week course to be a certified skipper of a full-sized yacht. He owned a small sailboat that he loved to sail on the Persian Gulf every season. When he wasn't teaching or sailing, he enjoyed camping in the desert with friends, archaeological expeditions and falcon hunting.

Upon retiring from Saudi Aramco in 2016, he moved to Vancouver, WA for a year and then finally settled back in Kansas where he purchased farmland in Osage County. He maintained a residence in Lawrence and was a member of Central United Methodist Church.

David traveled the world and never knew a stranger. He enjoyed studying history, collecting antiques and artifacts, and making friends from every corner of the Earth. He loved spending time in nature and observing wildlife.

David is survived by his father, David C. Overmyer of Topeka; three sisters: Cheryl (Paton) Eliot of Overland Park, Nancy Overmyer of Lawrence, and Mary (Ben) Simecka of Olathe. Two brothers: Jeff (Kathy) Overmyer of Silver Lake, and Tom Overmyer (Matt Born) of Fairview Park, Ohio.

He is also survived by three nieces: Elizabeth Overmyer (Aaron Good) of Baldwin City, Amanda (Jason) Young of Lawrence, and Jenna Overmyer of St. Mary's, four nephews: Heath Overmyer of Kansas City, Missouri, Adam (Katie) Simecka of De Soto, Austin (Hannah) Simecka of Olathe, and Eli Simecka of Lawrence, six great-nieces and two great-nephews. And his Aunt, Betty Bowers of Louisville, Kentucky and many cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his Mother, Margaret K. Overmyer, in 2015.

The family will greet friends during a visitation from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Friday April 30, 2021 at Central United Methodist Church, 1501 Massachusetts St., Lawrence, KS 66044. Memorial Service will begin at 2:00 p.m. at the church. Private burial will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to the following: The Hale Library at Kansas State University payable to K-State Libraries, 1117 Mid-Campus Drive North, Manhattan, KS 66506; Skills to Succeed payable to Life Skills Management Center, Inc. 413 E. Santa Fe, Olathe, KS 66061.

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