Dean Overbey

Dean Edlen Overbey passed away on July 24, 2026 at the age of 75 in Cashmere, WA. He was born on January 16, 1951 to Hershal and Vivian (Prante) Overbey in Aberdeen, WA. He was the oldest of five siblings. Dean attended Aberdeen schools until his family moved to Montesano, WA where he graduated in 1969. While in high school, Dean participated in football, basketball, and baseball. Dean attended Grays Harbor Community College for one year before transferring to Central Washington University where he graduated in 1973 with a BA in Education. While at Central, Dean met his future wife Karen Peterson, and the two married on August 11, 1973 in Cashmere, WA. The couple returned to Central for another year, where Dean attained another major. In the fall of 1974, Dean was hired to teach Jr. High in Coulee City, WA. The two lived there for five years before Dean took a teaching job that moved them to Nenana, AK. Dean and his family lived there for 34 years, where he taught 5th grade up to high school History, PE and Science. He also coached girls and boys cross country, basketball, and track and field. Dean was the Athletic Director at Nenana School District for many years. For 13 years, Dean served as the President of Region II Alaska School Activities. He also served on Alaska School Activities State Board for 10 years. In May 2024, Dean was elected to Alaska High School Hall of Fame as one of two lifetime members. While in Alaska, Dean and Karen’s three children; Tye, Bridget, and Kelsey, were born. When school was out for the summer, the family loved to go camping at Deep Creek on the Kenai Peninsula. They would enjoy fishing and clam digging, while cherishing time with their friends and family. Dean retired in 2014, and they moved to Cashmere, WA. He was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Annette; his mother Vivian; and his in-laws Lawrence and Sybil Peterson. Dean is survived by his wife of 52 years, Karen Overbey; Children, Tye of Cashmere, Kelsey of Cashmere, and Bridget (Chauncey) Drinon of Seattle; Father, Herschel of Olympia; Sister, Carolyn (Terry) Strom of Olympia; Brother, Bob (Donalda) Overbey of Shelton; Brother, Dennis (Debi) Overbey of Texas; and brother Dan of WA. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews, his brother - in - law Larry Peterson, three granddogs, and his own beloved three dogs. Please express your thoughts and memories on our online guestbook at jonesjonesbetts.com. Arrangements by Jones & Jones - Betts Funeral Home, Wenatchee.

Tributes

Dean Overbey

January 16, 1951 - July 24, 2026