1st Calvary Division helicopters practice for Richard Overton's funeral

AUSTIN, Texas (FOX 7 Austin) - Apache helicopters could be seen flying around downtown Austin on Thursday.

The pilots are based out of Fort Hood and were practicing in preparation for Richard Overton's funeral on Saturday, according to the Texas National Guard. Richard Overton was believed to be the oldest verified surviving U.S. World War II veteran and oldest man in the United States.

He died at 112 years old.

WATCH HELICOPTERS PRACTICE FOR OVERTON FUNERAL

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."

Overton died in a rehab facility in Austin, Texas on December 27, 2018.

A funeral has been set for January 12 at 11 a.m. at Shoreline Church on Burnet Road. Committal services, with Full Military Honors will take place at 2:00 p.m. at the Texas State Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Richard's memory may be made to Honor Flight Austin.

---

Funds restored to nation's oldest U.S. veteran's bank account

Nation's oldest veteran Richard Overton turns 112

Oldest living U.S. veteran given a home makeover

'Richard Overton Avenue' debuts on 'oldest veteran's' 111th birthday