New owner is busy at Marion Body Shop
Arlie Overton of Marion began operating Marion Body Shop on May 15. He purchased it from longtime owner Ezra Helmer.
"Business has been really good so far," he said. "I hope it keeps going like it is."
Overton said he has been interested in auto body work since he was a teen-ager. He taught himself the tricks of the trade and studied books to keep up on the latest techniques. He also studied electronics in college for two years, so he is able to fix wiring and computer problems in damaged vehicles.
Overton and wife Gina have lived in Marion for 11 years. They have three children: Alan, 13, Megan, 9, and Grace, 1 1/2.
Alan is spending the summer helping his father in the shop.
He works at painting walls and keeping floors clean.
Overton is happy with his decision to buy the shop.
He owns a small trucking company and often was away from home for long stretches of time.
He still owns the trucks but leases them out to another company.
"I needed to spend more time at me with the kids," he concluded.
