Thomas (Tom) David Overfelt, 80, of Independence, Missouri, passed away Sunday, September 3, 2017 at home. A Celebration of Life will be held from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Saturday, September 9th at Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home, Independence. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the American Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or the American Heart Association.
Tom was born February 15, 1937 in Kansas City, Missouri to parents, Thomas C. and Bernice Overfelt. He married Carroll Shumate in June 1955. Tom resided in Independence for nearly 60 years, making him a lifelong resident of the area, with the exception of early newlywed years enjoying his and Carroll’s farm on the banks of the Grand River in Warsaw, MO, before returning to the area to raise their family.
Tom spent many years as a production supervisor with Allis-Chalmers, then Parmelee/U.S. Safety, before retiring from his accomplished career as HR Director with Heinz Corporation, where he traveled extensively managing sites in the Midwest and Canada. He was a true renaissance man with many interests and talents. As a singer and keyboard player, Tom and his band entertained audiences across the area – not to mention the lively jam sessions hosted at their home where everyone joined in the music and many warm memories were made. He was also a skilled artist and painter, master storyteller, and virtuoso with the delivery of a clever inappropriate joke. Above all, Tom was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend who cherished his family and friends. In a word, we all think he is “amazing.”
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, as well as a sister, Barbara Pearce and brother, Steven J. Overfelt. He is survived by sisters, Rae Blood and Jennifer Spangler.
His survivors include his loving wife of 62 years, Carroll Louise Overfelt; 2 sons, Thomas F. Overfelt (Sharon) and David R. Overfelt (Pam); 2 daughters, Laura Elaine Harding (David) and Carol Elizabeth Sours (John); 8 grandchildren; 4 step-grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Rae Blood and Jennifer Spangler; along with numerous treasured “adopted” family members.
Arrangements: Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home, Independence MO 816-796-8600