Clarence David Overacker

"Clarence was an intellectual, literary person, a profound and serious thinker and well-read. His character was noble, his ideas were lofty, and his life was full of inspiration to those whom he met daily. After graduation from Belmond High School, he worked as a railroad operator for fifteen years. For a time, he worked as editor for the Belmond Herald newspaper and published several educational articles in the 'Arena' and other magazines of worth. He was always interested in any and all progressive moves for the betterment of mankind. He was a thorough optimist and always had a kind word for everybody. He had a long circle of friends wherever he went. His genial nature always brought forth the best there is in those whom he met daily. He suffered from health problems, however, and took his family to Oregon in an attempt to receive health benefits from a more active, outdoor lifestyle. He worked for a sawmill in Oregon and, on the sixth of June, 1910, he strained himself severely, resulting in a swelling of his heart. Following that, he moved his family back to Ohio. On their way they passed through Idaho, which was having a terrible outbreak of fires. The train was delayed for some 48 hours in 'this awful place of agony.' Nearly suffocating from smoke, Clarence, due to his already poor health, seemed close to death at most any moment. Finally, the train, after this long and agonizing delay, moved on once more and they reach their destination. In November of 1910, the family once again decided to start a new life and moved to Friendswood, Texas. Clarence's health still failing, and made worse with the strain of traveling, he died at 9 a.m. on April 29, 1911. He was devoted to God and his family, a true and loving husband. He was the youngest of 13 children. Three sisters, three brothers, and his mother survive him."