Dec. 27, 2019 marks one year since passing of Richard Overton

Beloved Austinite Richard Overton became known as the nation's oldest veteran and lived to the age of 112. 

AUSTIN, Texas - Dec. 27, 2019 marks one year since the passing of beloved Austinite Richard Overton.

Overton became known as the nation's oldest veteran and lived to the age of 112.

He was born in Bastrop in 1906 and served in the Army for three years during World War II.

When asked about whether the whiskey and cigars he loved played a part in his longevity, Overton always gave credit to God for that.

"I just know that every time he was around anybody, he would have them smiling," Overton's cousin Volma Overton said from the porch of Overton's East Austin home. "Richard always had a smile on his face but if you ever came to meet him, you'd leave here smiling. And just thinking about him and his humor, but he always made everybody feel loved."

The Overton family is in the process of turning the home on Richard Overton Avenue into a museum. The home received historic landmark status from the Austin City Council in early December.

Watch Casey Claiborne's full interview with Volma Overton on Good Day Austin Saturday morning.