AUSTIN, Texas – The funeral arrangements have been announced for the nation’s formerly oldest living veteran, Richard Overton, who died at the age of 112.

  • Richard Overton passed away at 112
  • Was the oldest living WWII veteran nationwide
  • Funeral will be on January 12
  • Public viewing will be held January 11

A public viewing will be held from 12:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Friday, January 11, 2019 at Cook Walden Funeral Home, located at 6100 North Lamar Blvd. in Austin, Texas 78752.

The funeral for the World War II veteran will take place at Shoreline Church at 11 a.m. on January 12, 2019, according to Overton's family. Overton passed away on December 27 after being released from the hospital while recovering from pneumonia.

Overton was born on May 11, 1906, in Bastrop County, Texas. In 1942, he enlisted in the Army, and spent three years fighting in the South Pacific, with stops in Guam and Iwo Jima. Overton rose to the rank of sergeant, before leaving the Army. 

One of Austin’s most famous, and beloved residents, Overton moved to the city after the war in 1945. 

The funeral will be open to the public. The church is located at 15201 Burnet Rd., north of Austin. 

During his final years, when asked about his secret to longevity, Overton’s answer would always turn heads.

The secret: whiskey and cigars.

REMEMBERING RICHARD OVERTON: