Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

To everyone that has viewed this, responded to it, or has been affected by it. May God hold you close to his heart. Don was a committed police officer. I learned more about him in death than I knew in life and he was my brother in law. A wonderful elderly woman came up to and said, “ Officer Overton came to my house once a week to do my grocery shopping. You see I can walk very well.” She stood in line for three house to tell us that at the receiving of friends. I’m not sure that I have been more touched by anyone’s words or deeds. When he died, they found the “ The Lord is my Shepherd” in his pocket. May Hod keep officers safe. We are not guaranteed tomorrow, but may we experience today to it’s fullest.

Alan Pinkard, DDS
Brother in law

May 5, 2021

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will always be remembered by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

October 12, 2020

Patrolman Overton,
On today, the 20th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Memphis. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

October 12, 2019

Rest in peace Patrolman II Overton.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 9, 2019

I have thought of you and John Reeves often my friend. No officer could have ever asked for a better partner and friend. I miss you brother and you will always be in my memory. Rest in peace Don.

David Tate former K-9 officer
Former Memphis Police Officer

March 13, 2019

miss him

Yvonne Tall

July 25, 2017

I did not know Officer Overton but I felt the loss as I lost a brother who was in the military in 2008. I know that being a police officer is a dangerous job so I wrote this for him.

The Ones He Left Behind

Dedicated to Memphis police officer Don Overton

He wasn’t known to me at all,
I watched in shock as he did fall.
Loved ones he left behind,
are ever etched upon my mind.

I pray someday we’ll understand,
but till that day God holds your hand.
Comforting them all the way,
as they go through life day by day.

There’s something God would have you do,
remember all the good times too.
Memories keep the tears at bay,
you’re in my prayers both night and day.

1999 Lauralee Wiltsie

This material is copyrighted and connot be used without the author's permission. Cobwebs on the Mirror

none/ Lauralee Wiltsie
author

September 4, 2015

Our chosen profession is such a dangerous one. I am so sorry for your loss. I hope the citizens appreciate your dedication to our city.

anonomous
Law officer friend shelby county, tn.

August 27, 2015

I was getting off the North A shift that morning and saw Don who had just recently started working the Day shift after being on the night shift with me for over 5 years. And as usaul me and him stood and talked while he was loading his squad car to start his tour of duty. He was a great guy rest in peace 167A/167B

Kenneth Frazier Patrol Officer
Former Offficer with the Memphis Police Department

February 10, 2013

There was nothing and I mean nothing like seeing Don's big smile as he was returning to the precinct at the end of his day shift as I began my evening shift at the North Precinct of the Memphis TN Police Department. Very grateful to learn from him during my time at North-A and always blessed in his presence afterward. Rest in His peace 167A/ 167B! That ward was never the same without you.

Chaplain Jeff Billingsley
Badges that Care United
Oklahoma City OK USA
Survivor 1994; Former Police Officer, Memphis TN

April 21, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 11th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer

October 12, 2010

I MISS YOU. YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN

YVONNE TALL
FRIEND

February 1, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

January 30, 2008

My thoughts are with your loved ones. If your child who is just about 8 years old now ever visits this site, I want him/her to know that you are a true hero and will always be in their hearts and watching over them. "Good men and women must die, but death can never kill their names."

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

October 12, 2007

On the upcoming anniversary of your passing, we remember you today and thank you Sir for your service.

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

October 10, 2007

G-d Bless you and your family.

October 12, 2006

May god bless you and your family. Although I did not have the privilege to have known you, I am sure you earned your seat in heaven.

Rest in peace, those of us who remain will cover your post on the thin, blue line.

Anonymous

September 29, 2003

Every day it's interesting to me that we receive many wonderful gifts but an event as tragic as this makes you appreciate those gifts.

Your big smile as you were leaving the day shift and my partners and I were starting the afternoon shift was one of life's great gifts.  Sometimes I was too busy to notice but you brightened my day each day I had the pleasure of catching one of those smiles. While you won't be in car 167B tomorrow, your spirit will live on in each of us for the rest of our lives.  What a wonderful baby boy you have; I'm sure your very proud.

We will carry on your fine examples and look forward to seeing you again.

With much love,

Jeff Billingsley
Memphis Int'l Airport Police

I didn't know Off. Overton personally but I know in law enforcement you have to be a certain kind of person. Off. Overton gave the ultimate price and I myself give all my respect and sincere gratitude to a man who didn't give a second thought about his on safety but to sacrifice himself in what he believes. I hope that his family can recover and go on. I myself would hope I could be half as dedicated and loyal to the public. Off. Overton, I'm glad you gave us young officers a foundation to build on. You will be missed in our hearts and minds.

Deputy Johnny Naron
Desoto County Sheriff Dept.

Angels in Blue

I had this friend you see, who loved God,Country,Youand me.
My friend went to work day or night the peace to keep, so you and I could sleep. He worked the holidays and weekends, away from family and friends. To keep peace for you and me. Each day this friend put his life on the line to spare yours and mine. Then one day he paid the price, he gave his life. You've done well my friend, patrolling these earthly streets. Now it's time to walk on Heaven's beat

Patrolman K. O'Steen
Shelby Co Sheriff's Dept

Don, we all want you to know how much you will be missed and that Karyn and Josh will never want for anything and that YOUR son will know you. Josh has got 1500 god fathers ready and willing to watch over him and help him grow into the young man that you would want him to be.

We will miss you but your memory and kind deeds will always be with us as we continue to patrol the city with you beside us

Detective R.G. Skelton
Memphis Police Dept Memphis Tn

DON WAS A FRIEND TO ALL. HE WAS ONE OF MY FIELD TRAINING OFFICERS. HE SCHOOLED ME ON HOW TO PATROL AND BE SAFE. DON IS MISSED BY MANY.

PII M. BONDS JR.
MEMPHIS POLICE DEPARTMENT

To Don's Family in a time of pain and sorry. I will always miss you for performing the job you believed in during your eleven year service. I am also dedicated to the same job at the South Precinct. My prayers and wishes to your newborn child.

May God Bless You!

PII Donald Tate
Memphis Police Dept.