Hugh Overton

(From Knell Mortuary)

Hugh C. Overton, age 92, Carthage, Missouri, passed away Monday, July 21, 2025, at his home. Hugh was born on April 19, 1933, in Carthage, Missouri, the son of the late Hugh Carl Overton, Sr. and Francis A. (Simpson) Overton. He attended Carthage High School, graduating in 1951. He was a member of the National Honor Society and held the rank of Major in the ROTC program.

Hugh married his high school sweetheart, Ruth Williams on November 27, 1952; she preceded him in death on September 12, 2024. He attended Joplin Jr College and finished his education at the University of Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri. Hugh served in the United States Army and Missouri National Guard from 1955 to 1961. Hugh’s ROTC experience at Carthage High School helped him rapidly advance to the rank of Sargent First Class.

Hugh and Ruth moved to Dallas, Texas in 1963 where they lived until 1985 when they moved back to Carthage. While Hugh lived in Dallas, he joined the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors in 1970. During this period, he chaired numerous regional and national conventions and numerous committees. He served on the National Board of Directors for NAWCC. For his service to the association, he was awarded the Fellow Award, Silver Star Fellow Award, and Golden Circle Award. In 1974 Hugh started Southwest Clock Supply, which Hugh and Ruth operated for forty-one years.

Hugh was a master mason for over seventy plus years. He was president of the Kiwanis Club. He served on the Carthage Library Borad for eight years, from 1989 to 1997, where he was board President for six years. During this time, he was instrumental in obtaining the property surrounding the library and building the Library Gardens.

Hugh lived a full and wonderful life with his beloved wife Ruth by his side for seventy-two years. He leaves behind nieces, Sherry Jennings, Decatur, Georgia, Karen Dumphy, St. Louis, Missouri, and Shila Willimas, Port St. Joe, Florida; nephews, Justin Overton (Holly), Miller, Missouri, Mark Overton (Stephanie), Ozark, Missouri, and Mark Williams (Kay), Huntington, Tennessee; and many extended family and friends.

Graveside funeral services will be held at 10 am, Monday, July 28, 2025, at Park Cemetery, Carthage. Memorial gifts are suggested to NAWCC or Carthage Masonic Lodge in care of Knell Mortuary. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.