Nation's oldest living veteran Richard Overton dies in Austin at age 112

Nation's oldest living veteran Richard Overton dies in Austin at age 112

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.

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.

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.

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.

http://www.fox7austin.com/news/loca...ran-richard-overton-dies-in-austin-at-age-112

 

This was a special man -- I used to see him going to his doctor at my office building and it was truly amazing to see a 107 year old man drive himself and walk into the building without anyone assisting him. He still had a spring in his step until around 110 -- word would quickly spread and lots of folks would go down and greet him in the lobby. He always had a great big smile -- rest in peace.

 

The man was 36 when he enlisted after the attack on Pearl Harbor - that just blows me away.

 

In 1940 by 36 the oldest of your 5 kids was about to graduate high school find a wife and have you a grandchild by the time you turned 40. When Richard finished up his service he was literally just starting his life - genetics are an amazing thing.

 

And live like Overton as well - he did not lead a healthy lifestyle lots of coffee, whisky, ice cream, and cigars. If a normal human indulged like him they would be dead by 65.