William Nelson Overdeer, 94, of Columbia City, died at 8:36 a.m. May 2, 2025, at his home.

Born on April 18, 1931 in Columbia City, Indiana, he was the son of the late Glenn and Mary (Nelson) Overdeer.  They made their home in the Columbia City area and Bill graduated from Columbia City High School in 1949.

In April 1951 he entered the U.S. Navy; he was honorably discharged in April 1955.

On August 14, 1949 he was united in marriage to Gertrude L. "Trudy" Pence. Trudy died on April 4, 1985.  On March 28, 1987 he married Barbara (Baker) Bockelman.  They have always made their home in Whitley County.

Bill started his work career managing filling stations, starting with the Phillip 66 in Fort Wayne.  He was also a hog farmer.  Bill had his real estate license and was a realtor for many years.  He worked and retired from International Harvester when the plant closed, where he served in leadership roles.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, traveling and reading.

Bill was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Lake Township, Fort Wayne.  He was also a member of the American Legion, a proud member of the NRA, Ducks Unlimited and a member of the Masonic Lodge Columbia City # 189, F & A.M. He was past president of Old Settler's Association, served on the board for the EDC, Soil & Water Conservation District and also the Blue River Housing at the time of his death.  He also served on the Whitley County Council for 30 plus year, was president of the Indiana Association of County Councils and served on the Whitley County Redevelopment Commission. He was also presented the prestigious award of the Sagamore of the Wabash.

Surviving is his wife, Barbara; children, Michael William (Angie D.) Overdeer and Mark Nelson (Jo) Overdeer both of Columbia City and Matthew Glenn (Becky) Overdeer of Clearwater, Florida; step-son, Brent Alan (Cindy) Bockelman and step-daughter, Lori Ann (Brandin) Heuer; 14 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren.

Additionally, he was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Anise Dicke.

The funeral service is at 1 p.m. Friday, May 9th at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.  Burial is at the Union Township Cemetery in Coesse.  Visitation is from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 8th at the funeral home with a Masonic Service to follow.

Memorials in Bill's honor are to Whitley County 4-H Inc, Woodlands Senior Citizen Center, or the Gideons International.