Dale Overway

Dale “Spark” Lee Overway, 79, of Holland, Michigan passed away on July 2nd at his home.

Spark was born in Holland to Arnold and Edna Mae Overway on April 25, 1944. His nickname, “Sparky”, was given to him by his grandfather Herman Overway on the day he was born. Over the years, Sparky was shortened to Spark, but the nickname stuck and was fitting. His outgoing personality was loved and adored by many.

Spark loved sports. Beginning as a young boy, he was always active in sports. He participated in various sports and especially excelled in tennis, where he was nationally ranked as a junior player. In his adult years he enjoyed softball, bowling and tennis. His love for tennis transitioned to racquetball, and finally to pickleball. He thoroughly enjoyed playing and coaching pickleball, and he continued to play into his final days.

He was a member of the very first graduating class of West Ottawa High School in 1962. After graduation, he attended Ferris State University before enlisting in the United States Navy in 1964 where he served as an Electronics Technician (perfectly fitting for a guy nicknamed, “Sparky”). He deployed on the attack destroyer, USS Waller (DD/DDE-466), to the Mediterranean Sea. He was honorably discharged at the end of his service in 1968.

Spark’s fondness for the water carried into his adult years where he worked in various segments of the marine industry, ultimately retiring as a dock master in Saugatuck.

Spark was a caring and dedicated son, a loving father, and a dedicated friend. His Naval experience and patriotism were shared with his daughter, as she fondly remembers him teaching her how to properly lower and fold the American flag. He also taught her the old saying: “Pink sky at night, sailors delight. Pink sky in morning, sailors take warning”. Spark’s faith was especially important to him, and he cherished his friendships as an active member of Fellowship Church.

Spark is survived by his daughter: Juliet (Craig) Williams; grandchildren: Austin, Brooke, and Brie Stella all of Southlake, Texas; brother: Wayne (Micky) Overway; nephews: Mike (Brenda) and Tim (Emily), niece Tammy (Jon), and their children. Spark is also survived by his special friend Carolyn Scherpinsky and her three boys Gregory, Mark and Steve Vanden Brink and their families.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 8th at 11:00am at Dykstra Funeral Homes - Northwood Chapel, 295 Douglas Avenue in Holland with refreshments immediately following the service. Reverend James Baar will be officiating. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Gardens.