OverhulserWilliam Thomas Overhulser, 93, of Edwardsburg, Mich., died peacefully in the early morning hours of April 22 at Greenleaf Health Campus in Elkhart, Ind. His wife of 42 years, Phyllis Overhulser, was able to sit with him before his death, and his friends and family prayed from many locations.
Waterman-Westbrook & Clouse Funeral Home of Elkhart is handling arrangements. Mr. Overhulser’s remains will be cremated.
Overhulser was born March 9, 1927, in Warren, Ohio, to William O. and Ruth Overhulser. He was raised primarily in the Elkhart area. He earned a GED, attended Fort Wayne Bible College and completed more college courses in Michigan.
Overhulser married Josephine Ummel in 1947 in Elkhart. Together, they had four boys, Joseph, Lyle, James and David. The family lived in north Elkhart and, later, on Long Lake, where they enjoyed boating, swimming and hosting family gatherings.
In 1952, Overhulser began working for Richardson Homes in Elkhart. Five years later, he founded Lil’ Sport Coach and built travel trailers in the family garage. He renamed the company Del Rey Industries and designed and produced campers until 1969, when he retired at age 42.
Overhulser was a founding member of the RV Industry Association and was inducted into the RV Hall of Fame in 2016, noted for producing “iconic models of truck campers which set the pace for the burgeoning industry.”
Survivors include wife, Phyllis, of Edwardsburg. They were married Dec. 9, 1977, and lived 17 years in Florida before coming home to Michiana.
Sons Joseph Lee and David Paul preceded him in death in 2018 and 2014, respectively. Also preceding him in death were a brother, Daniel; a sister, Mary; a step-grandchild; and former wife, Josephine.
Phyllis has requested that contributions be made to the church of one’s choice or to organizations that distribute Bibles worldwide.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William Thomas “Bill” Overhulser, visit this floral store.
