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.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate