Orville Eugene “Deno” Overturf, 73, of Carmi, Illinois, died Thursday, September 12, 2019, at Wabash General Hospital in Mt. Carmel, Illinois, after a long battle with cancer. He was born September, 13, 1945, in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of George Mansel Overturf and Frances (Hager) Overturf. He was married over 34 years to Mary Elizabeth (Conn) Overturf on July 6, 1985, and she survives.
Deno retired from mining coal after a 25-year career, during which time he served as president of the local United Mine Workers. He was a Christian and he dearly loved his family and always put others first. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Deno spent many years as a competitive bass fisherman, and won several tournaments. His family claims his fried fish was the best. In recent years, he enjoyed his Thursday night poker games with many of his buddies. Other pastimes include working jigsaw puzzles, photography, archery, and playing golf with his son, Russell, and grandson Zach. His most recent employment was with Cook Funeral Chapel in Carmi, Crossville and Grayville, Illinois.
Survivors include his wife, Mary Overturf of Carmi; sons Bryan Overturf of Carmi, Russell (Nicole) Bayes of Newburgh, Indiana; daughter Rhonda Ward of Carmi; son-in-law, Mark Ward of Carmi; brothers Roy (Janet) Overturf of Murphysboro, Illinois, George (Gloria) Overturf of Benton, Illinois, Donnie (Sue) Overturf of Carbondale, Illinois; sisters Ruby Giovanetti of Dupo, Illinois, Sharon Stritzel, Debra (Kenny) Chapman, all of Coello, Illinois; grandchildren Quinton, McKenzie, Zach, Austin, Keaton, William, Kelly; great grandchildren Madden, Roman, Sadie, Bryan; several nieces and nephews; special sister-in-law Judy Merritt.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers Ernest Overturf and Frank Overturf: sisters infant Rita Overturf, Bertha Norville, and Vivian Leeper.
Visitation is 2-4 pm, Sunday, September 15, 2019, at Cook Funeral Chapel in Carmi. A celebration of Deno’s life is at 11 am, Monday, September 16, 2019, at Cook Funeral Chapel in Carmi. Burial with military rites will be in White County Memorial Gardens west of Carmi.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, donor services 800-822-6344. Donations may also be made at Cook Funeral Chapel, 101 Edgewood Lane, Carmi, Illinois 62821.