Richard L. Overdorf

The Beginning:

Richard Lee Overdorf was born on August 11, 1935 to Orla Eugene and Glendolyn Marie Grubbs Overdorf in Arcadia, Indiana. The family operated a local farm, later moving to Tipton, Indiana. In this time Dennis Gene was born which completed the family.

The Educational Pursuits:

Although Richard’s parents did not receive formal college training, higher education was paramount in planning for their sons. Richard, after graduating from Walnut Grove High School, attained both Bachelor and Master’s Degrees from Ball State Teachers College. In order to assist with educational finances Dick would paint houses in the summer. Richard was a firm believer in education and would later receive the coveted designation of a Charter Life Underwriter (CLU) in insurance.

The Romance:

At the young age of 19, Richard saw a beautiful girl at a bowling alley. He later saw Rita McTaggart walking through town and immediately knew she was “the one”. Their courtship was short and they began an epic journey together of over 68 years, marrying on December 18, 1955. He loved taking her shopping and dining, doing everything together with ease and grace.

The Family:

Dick and Rita welcomed two sons to the family, Bret A. and Scot W. Richard raised his boys with discipline, but also enjoyed many, many jovial activities. What interested his boys interested him. He was known to chaperone them to concerts such as Deep Purple, REO Speedwagon, and of course his favorite, the J. Geils Band. The only pre-requisite was that he had to wear a 3 piece suit. Richard also insisted his boys receive advanced education, and agreed to be their benefactor as long as they attended Ball State University and majored in Accounting, of which they both agreed.

The family enjoyed many adventures including multiple cruises, and excursions to Switzerland, Germany, Portugal and Hawaii.

Further, the family pursued the search for antiques most weekends to stock the business in Atlanta, Indiana run by his father, Gene. During the first year of the shop, the family sold at over 30 antique shows. After the business closed, the hunt for antiques continued. On one trip the family met two sisters in Shelbyville, Indiana that insisted the craze in collecting was Heisey glassware from Newark, Ohio. This started a frenzy in the family which led to attending numerous Heisey conventions and attaining an extensive collection that all Overdorf generations enjoy.

Richard loved all his family. He visited all his grandparents and eventually mother, at least weekly where he would bring encouragement and treats to them. He ensured that they were well cared for, comfortable and safe.

Regarding the grandchildren, he adored them. He avidly supported his grandson, Jordan in his basketball pursuit, and even attended the Nutcracker (danced by Rachael) and Fiddler on the Roof (performed by Victoria and Allison) although having a mild aversion to ballet and musicals. On a school night, he insisted on escorting Allison to a WWF slam down when she was going through that phase. He taught them how to landscape and fish and played many a basketball hoop with them.

The Career:

Upon completion of his education from Ball State, Richard taught History and English at Madison Heights Junior High School. Among many contributions, he become the Student Council sponsor. At that time, he began selling insurance and ultimately left education for what would become a ground-breaking paradigm to financial planning. While initially an agent for the Wright Agency, he broadened his entrepreneurial skills, founding Richard Overdorf & Associates in Anderson, Indiana. His vision was to have a “one-stop” location to assist clients with their legal, tax and financial planning needs. It is interesting to note that one son became a CPA and one son, an attorney. A coincidence? Richard employed multiple family members and other members of the community that joined him in this pursuit that became family as well. He believed that hard work and serving the client well was the key to success.

The Enthusiast:

Richard was passionate about many things, but especially, his faith, hunting and fishing.

Richard was a man of faith. He was a devoted member of Madison Christian Church, Disciples of Christ. He assumed many roles including Deacon, Elder, Treasurer and Bible School leader. He was a devout supporter for his wife Rita’s legendary auction which was the main fundraiser for the church for multiple years. Even in his later years, you could still find his Bible by his nightstand where he would have daily devotionals and would look forward to Sunday mornings with Charles Stanley.

Richard loved hunting, ever in the pursuit of the elusive quail. He taught his boys how to hunt and raise dogs, having as many as 21 at one time. In the early years, he always owned an English Pointer and the later years it became a German Wirehaired Pointer. For some undisclosed reason, all dogs were always named “Sam”.

Richard was not only a fishing enthusiast, he was a perfectionist in the sport. He researched what would be the best method to catch walleye, which would serve him well in the 50 year love of fishing in Canada. Although first trying fly-fishing in Montana with his friend, Marvin Lee, he later found a little known body of water in Mine Centre, Ontario Canada named Turtle Lake. There he and Rita would make annual excursions in May and September, having missed only once in over 50 years. For over 20 years they would go to Little Turtle Resort, where he and Rita would often catch enough walleye to feed the whole camp. Later, when the lodge closed, they would buy a lake home with boat access only. At first, the lake home only had an outhouse and no other amenities. Soon, with Rita’s insistence, the cabin had a full bathroom, washer and dryer, generator shed and many other comforts. Richard and Rita would bring their children, grand-children and friends to “the lake”. Many adventures and shenanigans ensued. For many years you could find Richard and his brother, Den, on the hot pursuit of the big walleye, but they always found time for the afternoon nap. Although fun-loving, Dick had some rules: You must wear a life-vest, and put your poles up. He taught all grand-children how to “set the hook” with precision, and most of them became experts at filleting fish. 

The Man:

Richard was an avid reader, always enjoying the local paper and the Wall Street Journal. He was even a better listener. Richard never met a stranger. He was the first to lend a hand to those in need. If most people have a word to describe him, it would be “generous.” A consummate family man, he did not hesitate to step into a role to act as a surrogate mentor or father for those that required his care.

In his senior years, Dick and Rita moved to Indianapolis. After numerous hospitalizations and rehab stays, they moved into the home of their granddaughter, Allison, and her husband Joshua. There they enjoyed their great-granddaughter, Scottie, popping into their apartment in the pursuit of candy and treats.

Richard Lee Overdorf departed this life for a heavenly cabin in the sky on October 17, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana where he died peacefully holding the hand of his beloved and devoted wife, Rita. He is survived by his wife, his sons, Bret A. and Scot (Tanya) Overdorf, grandchildren, Jordan (Merry), Victoria (Jordan), Allison (Joshua) and Rachael (Jon); great grandchildren, Lucas, Quinn, Elijah, Theodore (Teddy), Lee Scarlett (Scottie), Ruthie, Isaiah and Wade Montgomery (Kic); brother Dennis G. (Betty); his Richard Overdorf and Associates staff family, including his long term friend, business partner and mentee, Bruce Cain; and numerous nieces and nephews. His elderly years were blessed by the care of Kim Langdon and George Broomfield, who treated him with much love and compassion. A beautiful life….well lived.

On a cold September morning in the mouth of the Big Turtle River, as the wind blows gently across the water, if you listen closely you can hear his words “Reel in the slack! Set the hook! Keep your tip up! Get the net!”