Howard Overholt, Jr., age 71 of Burr Oak, Michigan, the man of many dogs passed away early Thursday morning January 26, 2012 at the Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
He was born November 26, 1940 in Elkhart, Indian a son of the late Howard and Bessie (Hopkins) Overholt.
Howard resided in the Burr Oak area for most of his adult life. His early life was lived in the Elkhart, Indiana area.
On October 3, 1969 he married Joyce Mabie in Elkhart, Indiana.
Howard owned and operated with his wife Joyce Spring River Ranch in Burr Oak and was involved in horse trading and cattle buying.
He loved watching his children barrel racing, spending time with his grandchildren and his many dogs. His beloved dogs were his constant companions and many will remember never seeing Howard at a sale barn without one or more of his dogs.
He is survived by his loving and dedicated wife of 42 years, Joyce, his children, Kimberly Overholt of Alvordton, Ohio, Coy (Jodi) Overholt of Bronson, Nikie Morgan of Burr Oak, Raina Hudson of Brighton, Colorado and Natalie Overholt of Burr Oak, 10 grandchildren, Jacob Brown, Kate Brown, Gavin Overholt, C.J. Overholt, Tyler Overholt, Sarah Morgan, Gracelyn Morgan, Kasey Hudson, Kristen Hudson and Kayla Hudson, two sisters, Sandy (Dale) Wing and Sharon (Marc) Paskell both of Elkhart, Indiana, one brother, David (Lyn) Overholt of Bristol, Indiana and many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 P.M. Monday at the Hackman Family Funeral Homes – Hackman Chapel, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis, MI 49091, 269-651-2331 and from high noon – 2:00 P.M. Tuesday at Spring River Ranch, 547 St. Joseph Rd., Burr Oak, MI followed by a procession led by horses to Adams Cemetery where a graveside service will begin upon arrival at the cemetery. Pastor Terry Siler will officiate. In honoring Howard’s sincere love and appreciation of horses all are invited and encouraged to bring your horses to the ranch on Tuesday and participate in the procession. The family also invites friends to join them at the Bronson American Legion following the service for a meal and time of fellowship and sharing of memories of Howard.
Memorial donations would be appreciated to the family to help with expenses c/o: Joyce Overholt, 547 St. Joseph Rd., Burr Oak, MI 49030.
The obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhome.com where personal messages of support may be left for the family.