Ezekiel Richard Overholt

Ezekiel "Zeke" Richard Overholt entered this world January 23, 1930 and was greeted by Jesus on December 18, 2023. He was the twelfth of thirteen children born to Clarence and Alva (Barthalow) Overholt, three months after the great stock market crash in October 1929. God provided and protected him all his life and Dad knew him as Lord, Savior, and Best Friend.
In his younger years, he rode his Indian motorcycle across the country from Akron to California. Later after his family was grown he and Mom took many trips together on his Honda 750.
He loved to golf and played on many leagues and also was always up to play with sons, sons-in-law, nephews, and really anyone who wanted to play a round. He was a machinist by trade and retired as a mold maker from Goodyear after 32 years. He was also a hunter, a gardener, did upholstery, a builder (adding onto the home four times as his family grew), and an all around Mr. Fix It handyman.
His bright blue eyes would twinkle in a special way when he was about to "get in trouble by being ORNERY".
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Darlene, Edith, Lillian, Mary, and Daisy; brothers, Wilford, Donald, Lawrence, Clarence, Daniel, and M. Donald.
Dad always called his wife Esther of 69 years "his better half". Together they raised five children and is survived by Richaleen (Ken) Thornburg, Stephen (Debbie) Overholt, Regina (Larry) Thompson, Bonnie Reeves, and Pastors Joseph (Julie) Overholt. He is also survived by 16 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Gloria and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Dad and Mom also opened their home and sowed into the lives of many foster children.
He was a man who served his Lord faithfully as a Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, and followed "Don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing" Matthew 6:3 by helping as many people as he could in whatever way he could, all without fanfare and always to give God the glory. He left to all who knew and loved him a legacy of a life that followed this: "And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8. He was a member of Springfield Assembly of God.
Many thanks to Tradition Health and some of God's angels on earth: Jennifer, Heather, Stephanie, and Samantha.

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 22, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. followed by a 1:00 p.m. funeral service with Pastor Matt Miller officiating at Akron Springfield Assembly of God, 1551 Canton Rd., Akron, Ohio 44312.

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