Randy W. Overmyer
Randy W. Overmyer 56, Leiters Ford, was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away at 10:28 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 17, 2108, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Ft. Wayne.
On April 8, 1962, in Rochester, Overmyer was born. He the treasured son of Donald D. and Beverly Manning Overmyer. Growing up he shared his childhood with a sister Kandy. Overmyer graduated from Rochester High School in 1980 where he played on the Zebra football team and was a flashy shortstop for the Zebra baseball team.
As an entrepreneur who was passionate about the outdoors, nature and Tippecanoe River, Overmyer owned the Tippecanoe Float Trips Company for more than two decades, located on the north shore near the Leiters Ford bridge. He was an avid golfer, enjoyed fishing, hunting and trapping. He and son Skyler ran trap-lines for coon, coyote muskrat and mink. As a fisherman, Overmyer used an open-faced casting rod where ever there was water on the river, ponds, lakes and the Gulf or oceans.
Earlier in life, Overmyer loved climbing aboard his 1983 shiny black Harley-Davidson Shovelhead and taking day trips around northern Indiana. He enjoyed the thrill of speed and riding his dirt bike around the farm with Skyler. Overmyer was a member of the Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church, Manitou Moose Lodge # 1107 and Fulton County ABATE.
When winter arrived, in Indiana, Kandy and Overmyer would drive their mother to enjoy Florida’s surf, sand and sunshine near Sebring. Overmyer would continue on and hit the high spots looking up friends from West Palm to Key West. He greatly enjoyed a trip with Skyler to Charleston, South Carolina where they enjoyed fun on the Atlantic beaches and feasting on seafood.
After honing his skills on his 26-X McGregor sailboat on Lake Maxinkuckee and Mississinewa Reservoir, Overmyer struck out on a new adventure that turned out to be a harrowing experience. Heading to the swampy bayous of Lafayette, La., in mid-May he launched his boat onto the Gulf of Mexico only docking at night while deciding to live off the land, he enjoyed shrimp and a variety of fresh saltwater fish daily. Overmyer endured the challenges of Tropical Storm Cindy and hurricanes Harvey and Irma.
It was October 2017, a usual day on the waters when suddenly a large wind prevailed causing the boom to shift and knocking him into the Gulf waters. Treading water then swimming to a barrier island reef, Overmyer spent the night with snakes and an assortment of insects. He knew his only chance for survival was to return to the waters, swim and attempt to locate the shipping lanes for a pickup. After treading water, swimming and hanging on tight to a buoy for nearly six hours he, fortunately, was observed by a fishing boat and rescued. Overmyer was hospitalized for five days. It was this trip that prior to returning home, he adopted a rescue dog named “Bayou,” a fawn colored Black Mouth Cur.
Left to cherish Overmyer’s memory are a son Skyler W. Overmyer of Rochester, a sister Kandy Morris and husband Michael of Peru, two nephews Aaron Weller and wife Karissa, Brandon Weller, great-nieces and great-nephews Richelle, Brooklyn, River and Ava. Numerous aunts, uncles and cousins, and his cherished canine companion Bayou also survive.
Preceding Overmyer in death are his father Don D. Overmyer, July 27, 2010; mother Beverly Hollerman, Jan. 8, 2018; and his 9-month-old son Samuel D. Overmyer.
A celebration of the life of Overmyer will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 24, in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 West 18th Street, Rochester. Pastor Rick Abbott will officiate. Friends may visit with Randy’s family from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 23, and an hour prior to his service on Saturday. Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to the Rochester Little League or ABATE: Treasures for Kidz. On-line expressions of sympathy may be made to his family at www.goodfamilyfh.com