AUSTIN, Texas -- The halls of the house on 2011 Hamilton have been visited by governors and dignitaries, neighbors and friends but are now still.
- Family pushing for Richard Overton's house to be a historical landmark
- Final wish was for his house to become a museum
- He died at age 112
“I’m missing seeing him and sitting on the porch with him and talking to him and watching him smoke cigars and have a little drink of coffee or some whiskey and coke,” Volma Overton Jr Said.
At 112, Richard Overton became a prominent figure in Austin, earning the admiration and respect of the community he loved.
“He never got tired of it. People coming to see him is really what kept him going. When someone didn’t come by…he’d say ‘Man I’ve been out here all day long and nobody’s come to see me yet’ he was so used to people coming by to see him,” Overton said.
That love is mutual. Richard Overton’s final wish, according to cousin Volma, was for his home to be transformed. Now his family is working for a historical landmark designation.
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“It would help us maybe get a curator to make Richard’s home a museum for people to come in and see and maybe read and maybe look at some of the history that this house has produced over time,” says Overton.
Nine months after his death, much has changed in this house. His last cigar sits unattended, and his walls adorned with mementos.
“He really loved talking to people so hopefully he’s looking down and say hey they are trying to honor my final request. That is exactly what we are trying to do.”
Previous Coverage:
Richard Overton, Nation’s Oldest Veteran, Dead at 112
Community Gathers to Pay Last Respects to Richard Overton
Austin, State Leaders Remember Richard Overton