John Overington

John Overington, a dedicated American politician and the longest-serving member of the West Virginia House of Delegates, passed away on January 27, 2026, at the age of 79. Born on June 5, 1946, in Laurel, Maryland, Overington devoted over three decades of his life to public service, leaving an indelible mark on the legislative landscape of West Virginia. He was known for his unwavering commitment to conservative principles, transparency, and accountability in government.

Overington's educational journey included a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Washington College, followed by graduate studies in Philosophy at George Washington University. Before entering politics, he taught chemistry at Oxon Hill High School and, with his wife JoAnn Bertaux, co-founded a weekly newspaper, The Community Sentinel. These early experiences shaped his analytical approach to public policy and his deep engagement with community issues.

First elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates in 1984, Overington served for 34 years, representing Berkeley County until his retirement in 2019. His tenure was marked by significant legislative achievements, including championing a rule change that required recorded votes on all legislation, thereby increasing transparency and allowing constituents to hold their representatives accountable. He also played a pivotal role in advocating for the creation of 100 single-member delegate districts, a reform he pursued for nearly two decades.

Throughout his distinguished career, Overington held the position of Speaker Pro Tempore and was a co-founder of the Quad-State Legislative Conference, an organization fostering interstate cooperation. His legislative efforts also included introducing a bill to mandate the Pledge of Allegiance in public schools and supporting measures like the Prisoner Work Bill and animal cruelty laws. In 2018, his extensive service was recognized when he was named a Distinguished West Virginian. John Overington's legacy is one of principled leadership, tireless advocacy for his constituents, and a profound impact on West Virginia's legislative process.