Matt_Gibson/iStock/Thinkstock(AUSTIN, Tex.) — Happy Birthday, Richard Overton!
The Austin, Texas, resident — the world’s oldest living World War II veteran — reached another milestone on Thursday: He turned 111 years old.
Overton served in the Pacific Theater with the Army’s all-black 1887th Engineer Aviation Battalion from 1942 to 1945.
A birthday lunch was held for Overton — attended by Austin mayor Steve Adler — at the University of Texas Club in Austin, ABC affiliate KVUE reported.
Signs and photos to honor Mr. Overton’s 111th birthday! @KVUE pic.twitter.com/Vr7TDoIfTW
— Christy Millweard (@ChristyM_KVUE) May 11, 2017
Proclamation from @MayorAdler for Overton @KVUE pic.twitter.com/1KTXHhkyl4
— Christy Millweard (@ChristyM_KVUE) May 11, 2017
“Celebrating Richard Overton’s 111th birthday is a chance to celebrate what is best about our country and our community,” Adler tweeted. “Happy birthday!”
Celebrating Richard Overton’s 111th birthday is a chance to celebrate what is best about our country and our community. Happy birthday! ???????? pic.twitter.com/TlfmGqhDBG
— Mayor Adler (@MayorAdler) May 11, 2017
At the birthday lunch, catfish was served, and a birthday cake which read “Happy 111th Birthday Pop!” was presented. Overton also received many gifts, including an autographed University of Texas football.
Happy 111th Birthday Richard Overton!! @KVUE pic.twitter.com/j21VQxKiyV
— Christy Millweard (@ChristyM_KVUE) May 11, 2017
Group sings “Happy Birthday” to Overton @KVUE pic.twitter.com/5syTyylaMG
— Christy Millweard (@ChristyM_KVUE) May 11, 2017
As ABC News reported in January, there was a possibility that Overton would be forced to leave his home for an assisted living facility. That prompted Volma Overton Jr., the veteran’s third cousin, to start a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for around-the-clock in-home care. Enough money was raised to keep Overton in his home.
That’s why today I am declaring today, May 11, 2017, as Richard Overton Day in Austin, Texas.
— Mayor Adler (@MayorAdler) May 11, 2017
“We all knew that if you move Richard out of his home, he’d die,” Overton Jr said at the time. “That home is everything for him.”
Copyright © 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.