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Overton -- Lewis M. Overton, Physician, beloved husband of Helen Thomas Overton, father to Nancy Covalt, Lewis Overton Jr. and Mary Pashyo, passed away peacefully at Lovelace Medical System Hospital, where he worked for much of his career and to which he had devoted so much of his energy and emotion. He was 96 years old. A resident of Albuquerque since 1947, Dr. Overton practiced orthopedic surgery, as well as teaching at the University of New Mexico Medical School, which he helped to found in 1960. He retired from active practice in 1974. Dr. Overton was a distinguished contributor to the growth of Orthopedic Medicine in the State of New Mexico. From his arrival in Albuquerque until 1968, he served as Head of Orthopedic Surgery at the Lovelace Foundation. During this period, he also served as President of Medical Staff at the Bataan Memorial Hospital. In addition, he served as staff member and consultant to numerous private and government hospitals around the state. During this period, he was elected President of the New Mexico State Medical Society. He was a founder and acted as President of the Southwestern Surgical Congress and Chairman, Committee on Applicants for New Mexico, American College of Surgeons. He regularly served as Chief of Orthopedic Surgery at the United States Veteran's Hospital. His community activities included the founding, with others, of the New Mexico Rehabilitation Center. He also founded and acted as medical director for outpatient clinics for those suffering from incapacitating diseases. From 1956 to 1981, he was affiliated with the Carrie Tingley Hospital for Crippled Children in Truth or Consequences. He served as Medical Director, 1980-1981, during which time he oversaw the hospital's move to Albuquerque. In recognition of his service, he received the Albuquerque Jr. Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Community Service Award in 1956. He was honored with distinguished service awards from the Southwestern Surgical Congress, the New Mexico Orthopedic Society and Carrie Tingley Hospital. Born and raised in Rocky Mount, NC, he received his BS in Chemistry from Duke University and his MD from the University of Maryland. He also served at the Mayo Foundation, where he received his MS in Orthopedic Surgery from the University of Minnesota. The American Board of Orthopedic Surgery certified him in orthopedic surgery. Prior to coming to the Lovelace Foundation, he practiced medicine in Des Moines, IA for ten years. He served in World War II as a Lieutenant Commander in the United States Medical Corps. in both the U.S. and Pacific Theater. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church and the Albuquerque Country Club. Dr. Overton is survived by his wife, Helen; children, Nancy Covalt, Lewis Overton Jr. and Mary Pashyo; brother, Dolphin Overton of Rocky Mount, NC; grandchildren, Cale Carson III, David Carson, Jane Carson, Mary Carson Matteucci, Thomas Overton, Anne Overton, Cyrena Schroeder and Rasila Schroeder; and four great-grandchildren. A memorial service in celebration of his life and resurrection will be held Saturday, 11:00 a.m., at First Presbyterian Church, 215 Locust NE, with Dr. Paul Davenport officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be Cale Carson III, David Carson, Thomas Overton and Louis Covalt. In lieu of flowers, friends who wish may make memorials to the Carrie Tingley Hospital, 1127 University Blvd. NE 87106, The Children's Hospital of NM, 2211 Lomas Blvd. NE 87106, or the First Presbyterian Church, 215 Locust Ave. NE 87102. French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. NE.
        Published on: Sat December 04, 1999