Randy W. Overmyer, 56, Leiters Ford, was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away at 10:28 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne.

On April 8, 1962, in Rochester, Randy William Overmyer was born. He the treasured son of Donald D. and Beverly Manning Overmyer. Growing up he shared his childhood with a sister Kandy. He 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 out doors, nature and Tippecanoe River, he 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, he used an open-faced casting rod where ever there was water on the river, ponds, lakes and the Gulf or oceans.

Earlier in life, he 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. He 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 Randy would drive their mother to enjoy Florida’s surf, sand and sunshine near Sebring. He would continue on and hit the high spots looking up friends from southern Florida.  He greatly enjoyed a trip with Skyler to Charleston, S.C. where they enjoyed fun on the Atlantic beaches and feasting on seafood.

After honing his skills on his  26-X McGregor sail boat on Lake Maxinkuckee and Mississinewa Reservoir, he struck out on a new adventure that turned out to be a harrowing experience.  Heading to the swampy bayous of Lafitte, Louisiana, in mid-May he launched his boat onto the Gulf of Mexico only docking at night, while deciding to live off the ocean, he enjoyed shrimp and a variety of  fresh saltwater fish daily. He 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, he 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 pick up. 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. He was hospitalized for five days. It was on this trip and prior to returning home that he adopted a rescue dog, naming her “Bayou,” a fawn colored Black Mouth Cur. She has since crossed over Rainbow Bridge.

Left to cherish HIS 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; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Preceeding HIM in death are his father Don D. Overmyer on July 27, 2010, mother Beverly Hollerman on Jan. 8, and his nine month old son Samuel D. “Sammy” Overmyer.

Pastor Rick Abbott  will officiate services.