The nation’s oldest living veteran, Richard Overton, has died in a rehab facility in Austin, Texas. He was 112 years old.
Family says Overton was admitted to the hospital last week with pneumonia. He died Thursday.
A funeral has been set for Jan. 12 at 11 a.m. at Shoreline Church on Burnet Rd. Committal services, with Full Military Honors will take place on Saturday, Jan.12 at 2:00 p.m. at Texas State Cemetery, 909 Navasota Street, Austin, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Richard’s memory may be made to Honor Flight Austin, 815-A Brazos Street, UPS Box 498, Austin, Texas 78701, HonorFlightAustin.org.
If you would like to view Mr. Overton’s official Obituary visit www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com.
Overton was born near Bastrop in 1906 and served in the army for three years during World War II. He spent the majority of his life in Austin and was often seen on the porch of his home, which he built in East Austin in 1945.
He gave credit to God for his longevity, but he always said cigars and whiskey helped.
“I been smoking cigars from when I was 18 years old, I’m still a smoking ‘em. 12 a day,” he said.
Grateful I had the opportunity to speak with you sir. You will always be an Austin #legend to us. #restinpeace Mr. Richard Overton #richardoverton #wwiiveteran #austin #atx pic.twitter.com/TOnEzbupCF
— Jennifer Kendall (@jenniferonFOX7) December 28, 2018
The distinction of being the nation’s oldest veteran brought quite a few visitors to his front porch. One person that graced that porch was former Gov. Rick Perry on Memorial Day in 2013.
“I just wanted to come by and visit with you,” Perry said at the time.
REST IN PEACE: The nation’s oldest living veteran, Richard Overton, has died a rehab facility in #Austin. He was 112 years old. ðŸ™ðŸ¾ #RichardOverton pic.twitter.com/Z4OtGFHNV9
— JacquelineSarkissian (@JSarkissianFOX7) December 28, 2018
On Veterans Day the same year, former President Barack Obama honored Overton in front of thousands in Washington. “His service on the battlefield was not always matched by the respect that he deserved at home. But this veteran held his head high,” Obama said.
This hurts… I first interviewed Mr. #RichardOverton, the “nation’s oldest Veteran,” in 2013 when I started at @fox7austin Since then I’ve chatted with him countless times. Loved it every time. You will keep “livin’ good” in our hearts Sir. @fox7austin pic.twitter.com/12C3CbLPEU
— Casey Claiborne (@CaseyOnFOX7) December 28, 2018
In late 2016, the time came for 24/7 medical care.
As for being the nation’s oldest veteran, Richard Overton was grateful.
“I ain’t gettin rich but I feel glad,” he said.