America’s Oldest Veteran Has Passed Away

Earlier this year, I wrote about Richard Overton. He was America’s oldest veteran, turning 112 this past May. He once said the secret to a long life was God and cigars.

Steve Harvey once asked him his secret to longevity, and Overton simply said, “Just keep living, don’t die.”

Solid advice.

The oldest man in America will soon celebrate his 112th birthday. Richard Overton spends his days smoking cigars, eating sweets and waving at honking cars from his porch. https://t.co/sCzwPClMzD pic.twitter.com/xbKk6ymegB

— Dallas Morning News (@dallasnews) May 10, 2018

Sadly, he has passed away.

Richard Overton, a lifelong Austin resident and also the oldest U.S. veteran, died Thursday at age 112.

Overton was released Monday from a hospital where he was being treated for pneumonia and moved into an Austin rehabilitation facility. He died there after 5 p.m., according to his third cousin, Volma Overton.

“We are thankful for everything he’s done for the family, for the world,” Volma said through tears. “We’re going to miss him.”

Overton was born on May 11, 1906, the same year as the first wireless radio broadcast, and a year before Oklahoma became a state. He was 5 years old when the Titanic sank.

The Army veteran fought in World War II in a segregated unit. After returning from war, he spent the bulk of his career working at furniture stores, then at the Texas Department of Treasury.

It sounds like he stayed spunky right until the very end. He enjoyed sitting on his porch, smoking 12 cigars daily and enjoying the occasional whiskey and Coke.

Richard Overton, the oldest American WWII veteran and the oldest man in the USA, went to his eternal reward today at the age of 112. His optimism and selfless service set an example for Texans and all his countrymen. Rest In Peace. https://t.co/QqGHiNbVov

— Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) December 28, 2018

Let's take a moment to thank and celebrate the life of Richard Overton the nation's oldest living veteran whose passed away this evening at age 112.
Thank you for your service, sir. pic.twitter.com/NxEs3k6EIJ

— Charles V Payne (@cvpayne) December 28, 2018

Richard Overton, America’s oldest living WWII veteran has passed away at age 112. Rest In Peace, sir. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/eA802hFlUA

— Ryan Fournier (@RyanAFournier) December 28, 2018

Richard Overton, the country's oldest WWII veteran, has died at the age of 112.

The man loved America, whiskey, cigars and guns. Thank you for your service. pic.twitter.com/BVCq5esIYG

— David Hookstead (@dhookstead) December 28, 2018

RIP Richard Overton (our nation’s oldest veteran who just passed away in Texas) ♥️🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/883KzW5HWt

— Madison Gesiotto (@madisongesiotto) December 28, 2018

One of my favorite moments at the Governor’s Mansion was celebrating the 110th birthday of Richard Overton—the oldest WWII Veteran. Today we mourn the loss of this legendary American hero. May he Rest In Peace. #txlege pic.twitter.com/zIuGH3mDzM

— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) December 28, 2018

My heart hurts tonight as I find out my good buddy & America’s oldest living Veteran, Richard Overton has passed away. Blessed to spend some time with him over the past 5 years. Godspeed, dear man, much love and angel’s wings. Hope they have the good stuff in Heaven! #Veterans pic.twitter.com/1uYzyh1CYs

— Ashley Kamrath (@AshleyKamrath) December 28, 2018

Statement on passing of Richard Overton, America's oldest WWII veteran: pic.twitter.com/qvHxAsEA0X

— Gov. Greg Abbott (@GovAbbott) December 28, 2018

Richard Overton: a life well lived. pic.twitter.com/3bXpuvR6J6

— Senator John Cornyn (@JohnCornyn) December 28, 2018

Indeed.

RIP, good sir.

h/t Dallas News