There’s still time for Texans to give a final salute to Richard Overton, the country’s oldest man and oldest World War II veteran, who passed away at the age of 112 in late December. A public viewing will be held on Friday, January 11, from noon to 7 p.m. The viewing will take place at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 N. Lamar Blvd., in central Austin.
Overton’s funeral service will be held Saturday morning at 11 a.m. at Shoreline Church, and a public burial will take place at the Texas State Cemetery that afternoon at 2 p.m. According to Overton’s cousin, Volma Overton Jr., the funeral will be attended by a number of state and military officials. These include Texas Governor Greg Abbott, General John Murray of Army Futures Command, and Austin Mayor Steve Adler, and all of them are likely to speak during the service. Overton will rest next to his cousin Volma Overton Sr. The World War II veteran will also be honored with a 21-gun salute.