WILEY OVERLEY

Wiley J. Overley, age 81, of Elburn, passed away surrounded by the love and prayers of his family, Saturday, April 15, 2023.

He was born August 13, 1941, in Miami, OK, to loving parents, Forest and Byrl Overley.

Wiley grew up in Oroville, CA and attended local schools. He graduated from Oroville High School with the class of 1959, where he was a standout in baseball, eventually playing in the minor leagues for five years. He continued his education at Sacramento State University.

Wiley met Susan Shanesy through a “mutual friend”, Susan’s roommate whom he was currently dating. Whatever drama may have followed became distant memories the moment he recognized the other half of his soul in Susan. They walked down the aisle as husband and wife in 1968. They began their new life in Dayton, OH, before moving to Appleton, WI. Later San Ramon, CA, became home, but the Midwest called them back to Geneva and finally Elburn. Grief came to call in 2013 when Susan passed into Heaven. Love blessed Wiley a second time when he met Penny Meyer, with whom he enjoyed spending time with[SAM1]  along with her family.  They continued to keep each other company making many happy memories along the way.

Wiley worked at NCR Paper in Dayton, OH, for a time before they were bought out by Appleton Papers, Inc. He continued his tenure there until the company sent him to San Ramon, CA. Eventually his return to the Midwest brought him into retirement in May of 2003 after over 35 years full of dedication and loyalty. Retirement didn’t mean he stopped working. Wiley jumped behind the wheel of a Kaneland School bus for 13 years before finally turning in his keys.

He was proud member of the Elburn American Legion, #630. and served on the police commission board for the Village of Elburn. 

Wiley did not like to sit for long. He spent time in the air with his pilot’s license, riding his Harley Davidson, and on the water with his family on their boat. He loved getting up every morning and completing the crossword puzzle in the Chicago Tribune.  He also loved to “putz around” in the garage and never looked back when attempting to fix anything relating to electricity. Wiley enjoyed his “amateur electrician” status, along with the challenge of never cutting off the power.  When Anne was young, Wiley enjoyed being her soccer coach. He also got his very own whistle when put on the ref’s hat at high school soccer games. Wiley was forever helping others, freely offering his time and his handy man skills to anyone in need, but all that took a back seat when his beloved Chicago Cubs were on. He enjoyed wintering in Bonita Springs, Florida with Penny, playing golf several times week, playing bocce, and spending time with their friends and being in the warm sunshine. Wiley and Penny also enjoyed taking weekly road trips when they were in Florida, but also when they were home in Illinois to Michigan, Wisconsin and Tennessee.

He now leaves his loving children: Greg Overley and Anne (Tom) Schaff; his three grandchildren: Calvin, Tommy and Andrew Schaff; sister-in-law, Cathy Overley; his loving companion Penny Meyer, several cousins and family friends. 

He now joins his parents, Forest and Byrl; his wife Susan Overley; five brothers, including his twin brother Riley and three sisters who preceded him in death.

Visitation will be from 10-12 p.m. followed by a funeral service to celebrate his life, Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Elburn American Legion, Post #630, 112 N. Main St., Elburn, IL 60119. Memories and tributes may be left on the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.