SALEM – Don, age 74, of Salem passed away January 20, 2009 during an outing at the coast with family. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, January 23 at Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service.

            Don was born in Independence, Oregon to Ralph and Murl Overholser on June 3, 1934. He proudly served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1953-1957 and then attended Oregon State University, receiving his degrees in Microbiology. He worked for the Department of Microbiology from 1966-1992 when he retired as emeritus faculty. While at OSU, he taught Medical Microbiology and was the Chief Advisor for the undergraduate students. He was awarded the OSU Dar Reese Excellence in Advising Award in 1989 and the Department recently honored him by converting his former office into the Don Overholser Undergraduate Computer Library. After his retirement, Don enjoyed volunteering his time with Salem Police Department.

            Don married Barbara Gamberg in Lebanon on June 6, 1956. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; daughter and son-in-law, Kristin and Kelly Stewart; granddaughters, Jessica and Annelise Stewart; sisters Pat Haigh (Dennis) of Stanfield, Roxie Gibson (Dale) of Salem and Sandra Overholser of Stayton.

            In lieu of flowers, it would be appreciated if donations were made to Oregon State University Foundation, Overholser Microbiology Scholarship, which was established at the time of Don’s retirement. Donations may be forwarded to Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service, 605 Commercial Street SE, Salem, Oregon 97301.