Born on May 11, 1906, Richard Overton was already 34 years old when he enlisted with the US Army, serving in World War II from 1940 through 1945, When he returned home to Austin, Texas, Overton built a home that he is still living in 70 years later.
Overton first gained national attention in 2013 when he revealed to reporters that he would spend his Memorial Day "smoking cigars and drinking whiskey-stiffened coffee." His dedication to his vices despite his age won over Americans and later that year he met President Barack Obama when he attended the Veterans Day breakfast at the White House.
In 2016, Overton became America's oldest living veteran and today, at 111, he still enjoys sitting on the porch of the home he built, smoking cigars. In fact, he smokes about 12 per day - but never inhales.
While Overton is still going strong, thanks to 24-hour home care, the same could not be said for his house. The years had taken their toll on the home and repairs were needed. That's when the Home Depot Foundation joined Meals on Wheels Central Texas to make much-needed repairs, so Overton could continue living as he has for the last 70-plus years.
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