John William Overbay, 76, of Lafayette died March 21, 2026 at IU Arnett Hospital.
Known as Bill to most, he was born February 24, 1950 to the late John and Mary Overbay in Washington, IN.
After high school Bill did his undergraduate work at Milligan College and earned his master’s degree in ministry from Kentucky Christian College. He was ordained into ministry in 1973 and served churches in Wheatland, IN, Galion, OH, and Batavia, OH. Bill retired in 2013 after serving 23 years at Brady Lane Church of Christ in Lafayette. He was given the spiritual gifts of teaching and encouragement. He was dedicated to the pastoral care of his people, gifted at making people laugh, and was especially encouraging to the elderly and those who were sick.
On September 24, 1977 he married Jane Dring and they were blessed with two children, Evan (Autumn) Overbay and Sarah (Jason) Skinner and five grandchildren, Carrie, John, Maggie, Layla and Charlotte. They all survive as well as his sister, Donna (Michael) Lazar and brother, Jeff (Connie) Overbay.
Bill had many varied interests, but the focus of his life was on his faith and his family. He was a devoted husband, proud father and his grandchildren were the light of his life.
Visitation will be from 12:00 noon until 2:00 pm on Thursday, March 26, 2026 at Soller-Baker Funeral Home, 400 Twyckenham Blvd. Lafayette, IN 47909.
In lieu of flowers those wishing may donate in Bill’s name to either Meals on Wheels or International Justice Mission at www.ijm.org