[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 89 (Thursday, May 25, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E495]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING GENE OVERHOLT'S SERVICE TO THE CITY OF PLYMOUTH AND TO THE 
                                 NATION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 25, 2023

  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Gene Overholt, a 
veteran of the Second World War and a longtime resident of Plymouth, 
Michigan, on the occasion of his passing. His service to the nation and 
dedication to his community over 99 years of life is worthy of 
commendation.
  Gene was born in the small town of Bippus, Indiana in 1924, before 
moving to Huntington, Indiana. He and his wife, Jane, were childhood 
sweethearts and began dating at the age of 13. He joined the armed 
forces as soon as he was of age, where he was trained as a ``telephone 
man''. On the battlefield, Gene served by running communication 
channels, culminating in his participation in the Battle of the Bulge 
in the winter of 1944/45.
  He came home and began work at Michigan Bell, where he would spend 
the rest of his career. He and his wife Jane raised their three 
daughters in Plymouth, Michigan, and though he was done with his 
military service, his service to his community was just beginning. Gene 
was one of the founding members of the Kiwanis Club of Colonial 
Plymouth, and eventually was elected as the President of Kiwanis 
International in 1988-89. In 1962, Gene assisted in the creation of the 
Plymouth Salvation Army, where he served on the Board until his passing 
earlier this year. He also spent a decade on the Plymouth Township 
Board of Trustees and was eventually inducted into the Plymouth Hall of 
Fame. In honor of his three daughters, all of whom taught in the 
Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, Gene founded the Gene and Jane 
Overholt Educational Scholarship Foundation. This foundation, which 
gives scholarships to students going into the field of education or 
other service professions, will carry on Gene's legacy for decades to 
come.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating Gene 
Overholt's life of service to our country and to his community. Though 
he is no longer with us, his legacy of service will live on through his 
daughters, his foundation, and the indelible impression he has left 
upon his city. I thank Gene.

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