Robert Dean Overy, 87, of Grafton, Ohio, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2025, after a brief illness, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on August 15, 1937, in Fostoria, Ohio, Bob was a lifelong resident of Grafton and a devoted member of the community he so deeply loved. A proud symbol of that love was his license plate, which simply read "44044"--- Grafton's zip code.

Bob graduated in 1955 from Grafton High School, proudly being part of the school's final graduating class before it merged into Midview High School. After graduation, he began a 36-year career with the United States Postal Service, including ten years as a Postmaster of the Grafton Post Office, before retiring in 1992. In retirement, Bob joyfully pursued his passions: home improvement, painting and helping anyone who needed a hand.

A tireless community supporter, Bob was president of the Midview Athletic Boosters and was instrumental in the installation of the paved track at Midview High School. He also served as president of the Midview Kiwanis Club, was a founding member of the Midview Athletic Hall of Fame committee, was a member of the Grafton Village Volunteer Fire Department and served on the Village Zoning Board of Appeals. His dedication extended to his faith as an active member of the Grafton United Methodist Church, where he became known for his beloved "joke of the day," bringing smiles and laughter to all who heard him.

Bob's love for Midview Athletics was unmatched. He spent countless hours cheering on the Midview band, football,track,baseball,golf,and basketball. He was a constant, familiar face at events for decades. In his spare time, he enjoyed the occasional lucky trip to the slot machines and was a regular visitor to the Grafton drive-through, where he'd pick up scratch-off lottery tickets and enjoy the simple pleasure of a small gamble and conversation with the staff.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred (1974) and Gail (1998), his beloved wife of 56 years, Annie (2013) and sibling Carl, Darlene, Gerald, and Larry. Survived by his devoted children: Daughter Yvonne (Larry) France- Springboro, Ohio – Grandchildren: Elaine, Kelly—Great-grandchildren: Devon. Son: Brian(Kim) Overy – Melbourne Florida – Grandchildren: Bryce, Brock, Brett—Great grandchildren: Andrew, Beau, Lynn Marie. Son: Jay (Kathleen) Overy -Grafton, Ohio-Grandchildren: Ashley, Jay, Krystal, Brad-Great-grandchild: Elizabeth. Son, Robert Jr. (Sheila) Overy-Grafton, Ohio-Grandchild: Hannah. Son, Gary (Shona) Overy – Grafton, Ohio – Grandchildren: Grant, Garret. Also, companion Kay Whitesel who brought joy to his life through shared meals and heartfelt conversations and loving sister Carol Smith of Henderson, Nevada.

The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the incredible medical professionals at UH Elyria Hospice of the Western Reserve for their love and compassion.

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 19, 2025, from 4-7p.m., with a funeral service to follow.

Arrangements entrusted to Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home, 38475 Chestnut Ridge Road (at State Route 57) in Elyria.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.laubenthalmercado.com.