The oldest living World War II veteran, Richard Overton, (who is 111 years old) recently received the gift of a lifetime. According to KVUE, Overton, who lives in Austin, was granted a home renovation made possible through the partnership between the Meals on Wheels Home Repair program and the Home Depot Foundation. Crews installed new ceiling fans, new kitchen cabinets, and a new stove. They also put in new plumbing and electric in Overton’s home.
Lifestyle
Oldest Living World War II Veteran Given Home Renovation in Austin
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Overton’s Home Has Central AC For First Time
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
“They changed all of it because at one time it was a fire hazard, things was burning and we didn’t even know it. Yes, actually burning,” said Overton’s friend of more than 40 years, Martin Wilford told KVUE.
Overton’s bathroom also got a full renovation, including a walk-in shower and new sink. “I can’t feel no better, it’s good, I love it, course I had one alright, it wasn’t the kind like that,” Overton said. In addition to the all of the plumbing and electrical upgrades, Mr. Overton also got central air conditioning and heat for the first time, although he’s not sure he needed it, he told KVUE. “I had fans, I had everything I wanted,” Overton said.
United States Army Veteran Honored by President Obama in 2013
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Mr. Overton is a veteran of World War II who served with the United States Army. In 2013, he was honored by President Barack Obama. Overton was inducted into the U.S. military on September 3, 1940, at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. He served in the South Pacific from 1940 through 1945, including stops in Hawaii, Guam, Palau and Iwo Jima. He left the U.S. Army in October 1945 as a technician fifth grade.
Hospitalized Recently With Double Pneumonia
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Overton worked at local furniture stores before taking a position with the Texas Department of the Treasury (now part of the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts) in Austin. He was married twice and never had children.
A week after celebrating his 111th birthday in May 2017, Overton was hospitalized for pneumonia. Then again in August 2017, Overton was hospitalized in Austin for pneumonia in both of his lungs. He made a full recovery and is enjoying the outcome of his home renovation–especially the air conditioning.
