| American centenarian Date of Birth: 11.05.1906 Country: USA |
Richard Arvin Overton was an American supercentenarian who lived an extraordinary life spanning 112 years. As the oldest verified World War II veteran in the United States and the oldest man in the country, he was celebrated as a national hero.
Overton was born on May 11, 1906, in Bastrop County, Texas. He witnessed the transformative events of the 20th century, including the Jim Crow era, the Civil Rights Act, and the election of the first African American president. In 1940, Overton enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the South Pacific during World War II, including stints in Hawaii, Guam, Palau, and Iwo Jima. He served in burial details, guarded military bases, and chauffeurs officers.
After the war, Overton worked in local furniture stores before securing a position with the Texas Treasury Department in Austin, Texas. He built a home for himself in Austin in 1945, which became a cherished part of his life. Overton married twice but had no children. He was a devout Protestant and regularly attended church.
In 2013, President Barack Obama personally expressed his gratitude to Overton in the Blue Room of the White House on Veterans Day. Overton gained further media attention for his statement that he intended to "smoke cigars and sip coffee with a little whiskey" on Memorial Day that year. He was also honored during a San Antonio Spurs-Memphis Grizzlies NBA game in 2017.
Overton became a supercentenarian in 2016, when he turned 110. He continued to reside independently in Austin, refusing to move to a nursing home. Despite facing health challenges, including multiple bouts of pneumonia, Overton attributed his longevity to taking care of himself and having a positive outlook on life.
In 2018, Overton became a victim of identity theft, resulting in the loss of funds from his personal account. However, the Bank of America later resolved the issue and returned his money. Overton also relied on a crowdfunding platform to raise money for his care expenses.
Overton's life became a source of inspiration for many. His documentary film, "Mr. Overton," showcased his remarkable journey and perspectives on aging and military service. He passed away in December 2018 from pneumonia, leaving behind a lasting legacy as a symbol of resilience, patriotism, and the indomitable human spirit.