Paul Alan Overeiner

Paul Overeiner was a respected career journalist, a skilled NRA handgun instructor and searcher of knowledge right up to his death Friday morning.

 Overeiner, 75, of Michigan Center died of pancreatic cancer in care of Hospice House in Blackman Township. He is survived by his wife of 18 years, Carole; a son, Dennis, step-son, Ron (Heather) Marienfeld; step-daughter, Stoni Hamlin; step-grandchildren, Max, Nick, and Ella Marienfeld, Sidnie and Seth Richardson; and the couple's fur babies, German Shepherds Gretchen and Gretl.

He was born in Grand Rapids on July 31, 1947 to Lewis and Florence Overeiner. His parents and a brother, Lewis Dale Overeiner, preceded him in death.

Paul loved reading, writing, history and the arts from an early age. He graduated from Grand Valley State University with an eye on journalism, and his dream job came true. “A dufus of a guy ends up in a job he likes, with wonderful people along the way. I have been blessed all of my life,” he said from his hospital bed. “I did not know pronoun from a noun but I could hear music in the words.”

Paul was a reporter for the Jackson Citizen Patriot for 25 years, starting in 1984. He covered many major business stories, including the decision by Consumers Energy to build its headquarters in Jackson and not move out of the area.

He was somewhat of a unicorn in the news business in his unwavering defense of both the First and Second Amendments. Paul collected and shot a wide range of firearms and trained with some of the leading tactical weapons experts, including Massad Ayoob,,and at the Sig Academy's civilian police academy with tactical instructor Larry Vickers. Paul eventually would earn his NRA handgun training certification.

A celebration of his life will be held at the Watson Funeral Chapel in Jackson on Monday, July 31, 2023 at 1:00pm with Pastor Ken Pierpont officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Henry Ford Hospice Home or Cascade Humane Society.

The family will receive friends from 12:00pm until the time of service at 1:00pm.

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