Wayne Noel Overton (83), affectionately known as "Grandad" by his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, went to be with the Lord and the love of his life Nelvenia "Nellie" Overton on July 1, 2021.

Wayne was born in Waka, Texas on July 8, 1937 to Ed and Mary Overton and has made an impact on everyone since then. Wayne spent most of his life in Hardesty, Oklahoma and the town was better because of it. Never content to sit around, Wayne always had something to do. Maybe it was because he liked staying busy, that he preferred Chevy pickups so he would always have something that needed worked on.

Wayne worked hard at everything. As a student in Hardesty he even worked driving the school bus where he met his wife Nellie who was also a student. Wayne served his Country in the Army, served on the Hardesty school board, served as Hardesty's mayor twice, and worked for the County from 1982 where he became foreman in 1984 and eventually retired in 1998.

The accompanying photo of Wayne and any photo you will find would make one think he was the most serious man on the planet, and he was. He was serious about his family, working hard, and doing what was right. He was also warm and caring and will be missed many people.

To his grandchildren he was larger than life even though they are all much taller than him. He fought grassfires in big firetrucks and drove big tractors farming his dryland wheat on the game refuge where his grandkids would go with him on the tractor where they would inevitably nap on the floor as he plowed fields. Hunters on the refuge say the wheat has not been as good as it was when Wayne farmed it.

To most of the family, Wayne was simply "Grandad" and he cherished that nickname. He returned the favor and he had a nickname for many the family.  From "Hollywood" to "Mutt" to "Fat Boy" to "Shortbritches" and finally his last Great-Grandchild he nick-named "Ruckus."

He didn't go anywhere without a pair of Wranglers pressed and starched and every shirt had to be monogrammed with W.O.  If he can be faulted for anything it is his unusual preference for steak and ribs more than well-done.  However, he had a unique enchilada recipe that was famous in the family.

Wayne spent retirement farming and cutting wheat around Hardesty and becoming more ornery.  He gave his opinion honestly and often without anyone asking beforehand. During retirement he continued to welcome many great-grandchildren to the world.  Wayne and Nellie would frequently travel to the nearest casinos where they would find some luck.  Somewhere there is a photo of Wayne at the casino, having won many thousands of dollars, staring at the camera with his well-known serious smile. He was serious about gambling. In the evenings you could often find Wayne watching Wheel of Fortune with his wife.

He is preceded in death by his wife Nelvenia Overton, son Curtis Overton, daughter-in-law Nancy Overton, granddaughter Chani Overton, sister LaQuita Cole and brothers, Roy Overton and Earl Overton.

He is survived by his Daughters:  Christine (Tina) Smith and husband Tony, Carla Hein and husband Joe. Grandchildren: Taos Smith and wife Dasha, Tucson Smith and wife Heather, Tekoa Smith and wife Brooke, Cash Overton and wife Joana, Austin Hein and Sydney Hein.  Great-Grandchildren:  Cordelia Smith, Stirling Smith, Ryker Smith; Hartley Smith; Colt Smith; Gauge Overton, Daxton Overton; Oakley Ferguson and Kensi Ferguson.  Siblings: Ace Overton, Grady Overton, Nelda Hendrix, Neva Jorgenson, and Kermit Overton.

Graveside services with military honors will be conducted Wednesday July 7, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at Hartville Cemetery SE of Hardesty, OK with Rev. Harold Bollinger officiating.  Viewing will be at the Bunch – Roberts Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 6 ^th from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Wayne's name can be made to the Hardesty Senior Citizens and will be accepted at the Bunch - Roberts Funeral Home, PO Box 1112, Guymon, OK 73942.  Friends can sign the online guestbook and leave condolences at www.bunchroberts.com .