America’s oldest living WWII veteran has just died in Texas at 112

by The Right Scoop

Richard Overton, who served in WWII for three years, has just passed away at the ripe old age of 112.

Here’s the story:

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.

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.

Overton’s family didn’t want to see him go to a nursing home so they started a GoFundMe that reached over $450,000 and he was able to stay in his house.

When Overton turned 111, the Austin City Council gave the street he lived on for more than 70 years an honorary name, Richard Overton Avenue.

As for being the nation’s oldest veteran, Richard Overton was grateful.

“I ain’t gettin rich but I feel glad,” he said.

Amazing. 112 years. I can’t even imagine.

RIP Mr. Overton.

UPDATE: Here’s a photo of Overton that John Cornyn just tweeted:


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