Charles "Chuck" Overton

We are sad to announce that on December 27th, 2024, Charles Thomas Overton (b. August 29th, 1940) of Ankeny, Iowa, passed away at the age of 84 years. He was known to most friends and family as Chuck, and as Papa to his beloved grandchildren, and Dad to his three sons.

Chuck was a talented and creative person, so full of life… always curious, always learning and never afraid to jump in and experience new adventures. He was known for his integrity and drive. He had a way of creating opportunities and always had big projects and goals he was working on. He was still taking engines out of cars and just put a huge addition on their house where he did all the work himself from designing the plans to laying the floors and hanging the doors. Despite his brilliance, he was never one to talk about his own accomplishments. He was still so motivated and intelligent yet the most unassuming, accepting, selfless person you would ever meet.

Chuck grew up on the East side of Des Moines only blocks from the Iowa State Fairgrounds which he loved as a boy when he would help with setting up the circus tents; years later Chuck as an architect would go on to design and restore many of the fairground buildings.

Chuck’s first job was at age 11 as a paper boy. He worked summers in construction and at the salvage yard, saving money to be the first of his family to go to college. As would prove consistent throughout his life, he had an appreciation for design and value. He purchased his first car, a 49 Ford Custom “Shoebox” at age 14. He was already on his third car, a 50 Mercury Convertible by the time he met his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Judy, both at age 16. Judy remembers this car fondly because she could see the pavement though the floor on their first date…necessary because he needed the hole to shift gears with a hammer. He loved British cars, most of all Jaguars, and he belonged to the Iowa British Car Club.

Chuck and Judy married in 1962 and celebrated their 62nd anniversary together last week on Dec 22nd by going out for an anniversary dinner.

Chuck received his Bachelor of Architecture from Iowa State University and a Master of Architecture from Columbia University. His early professional career including working for an architect in Aspen as well as being a tenured associate professor of architecture at ISU. He went on to establish his own architecture practice, now K/O Architects located in West Des Moines, IA and carried on by his son Chip and daughter-in-law Sarah. His legacy also continues through his granddaughter Mandy who is studying architecture at ISU.

Chuck was a devoted father, serving as scout master to troop 182 of Ankeny, IA throughout the 1980’s. He was also passionate about seeing and experiencing the world which led to he and Judy taking 20+ cruises to many distant lands.

Chuck is survived by his wife Judy Overton; their children, John “Chip” (Sarah), Mark (Elke), and David (Amy); grandchildren, Charlie (Avery), Sammy, Mandy, Lisette, Otto, Ella, Olivia and Sienna; his sister Sandra Kirk. He was preceded in death by parents, Ivyl H and Vera Bethany Overton; grandparents, Thomas Benton “Papi” and Unia Overton, Gottlieb and Grace Pricilla Buck.

In loving memory of Chuck, memorial contributions may be directed to the family.

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