SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 3

In Memory

of

Richard Arvin Overton

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and commemorates the life of Richard Arvin Overton, who died December 27, 2018, at the age of 112; and

WHEREAS, Richard Overton was the country's oldest World War II veteran and was an exemplary citizen who took pleasure in helping others and who had a positive impact on his community; known for his wisdom, kindness, and affable nature, he was an integral part of the fabric of life in Austin; he could often be seen sitting at his usual front porch spot greeting neighbors and visitors with a friendly smile, and the evident joy he consistently derived from life served as an inspiration to many; and

WHEREAS, Richard Overton was born on May 11, 1906, in Bastrop County, to Gentry Overton Sr. and Elizabeth Franklin; he joined the United States Army in the early 1940s and served the nation with distinction during World War II as a member of the 188th Engineer Aviation Battalion; he arrived in Pearl Harbor shortly after the Japanese attack, and he was soon taking part in the island-hopping campaign and combat in the South Pacific that included stops in Guam, Palau, and Iwo Jima; and

WHEREAS, After his military service, Mr. Overton returned to Texas and built his home in East Austin in 1945; he worked for a time in the furniture business before taking a position with the Texas Department of the Treasury as a courier at the Capitol, where he served under four governors before his retirement; and

WHEREAS, Later in his life, he became famous after being designated the nation's oldest living World War II veteran, and he was honored by President Barack Obama when he participated in a Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery; he often made headlines when hosting birthday parties in his front yard and inviting the public to attend, and much was made of his daily regimen of cigars and sips of whiskey; in spite of his fame, he remained humble and continued to help his neighbors by performing such tasks as trimming trees and cleaning driveways; and

WHEREAS, Admired for his patriotism and beloved for his warmth, quick wit, and joyful spirit, Richard Overton touched the lives of many, and his enthusiasm for living each day to the fullest will not be forgotten by those who were privileged to know him; and

WHEREAS, He was devoted to his family, his community, and his country, and he leaves behind memories that will be treasured forever, as well as a legacy of laughter, courage, and service; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 86th Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Richard Arvin Overton; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas Senate and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Richard Overton.

Watson

________________________________

President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on January 9, 2019, by a rising vote.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate