Austin, Texas — Huston–Tillotson University, in partnership with community leaders and the family of the late Richard Arvin Overton, will host the dedication and unveiling of the Richard Overton House Historical Marker on Monday, December 1, 2025, at 4 p.m.
The ceremony will be held at 2011 Hamilton Avenue—officially designated as 2011 Richard Overton Boulevard, in Austin’s historic College Heights neighborhood –
where Overton resided for more than seven decades. Among those expected to give remarks are representatives of Huston–Tillotson University, the City of Austin, state officials, and members of the Overton family, along with a formal unveiling ceremony and draping of the marker.
A community reception will immediately follow on the Huston–Tillotson University campus in the Davage-Durden Student Union, located at 900 Chicon Street, where refreshments will be served.
The property will serve as a permanent tribute the extraordinary life and legacy of the World War II veteran who captured the heart of the nation with his spirit, humor, and humility. A supercentenarian at the age of 112 years and 230 days, Overton was the oldest verified surviving U.S. World War II veteran and the oldest living man in the United States at the time of his passing on December 27, 2018.
While the interior of the home will not be open for tours due to maintenance needs, guests are invited to witness the historical marker installation and outdoor presentation, which will pay fitting tribute to one of Austin’s most cherished citizens.
Overton was born May 11, 1906, in Bastrop County, Texas, to Gentry Overton Sr. and Elizabeth Franklin Overton Waters. He was the great-great-grandson of Judge John Overton, a presidential advisor, and a cousin to civil rights activist Volma Robert Overton.
He enlisted in the United States Army on September 3, 1940, at Fort Sam Houston and served in the South Pacific from 1940 through 1945, with assignments in Hawaii, Guam, Palau, and Iwo Jima. He was honorably discharged in October 1945 as a technician fifth grade. Following his military service, he worked for local furniture stores before joining the Texas Department of the Treasury—now part of the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts—where he remained until retirement. Though married twice, he had no children, but devoted his later years to family, friends, and his beloved neighborhood on the east side of Austin.
Overton’s life gained national attention in 2013 when he was featured on Fox News during Memorial Day weekend, famously declaring that he planned to spend the holiday “smoking cigars and drinking whiskey-stiffened coffee.” Later that year, he met President Barack Obama in the White House Blue Room and was recognized by name at the Veterans Day ceremony in Arlington National Cemetery. Known for smoking a dozen cigars a day and for his easy humor, Overton became a symbol of the Greatest Generation’s grit and grace. In 2016, he was the subject of the documentary *Mr. Overton*, which chronicled his daily routine and reflections on life, longevity, and service.
Throughout his long life, Richard Overton remained a fixture in his community—friendly, faithful, and fiercely proud of his country. From his front porch on Hamilton Avenue, he greeted neighbors, shared wisdom, and represented a living connection to history. His home became a place of pilgrimage for those seeking to honor America’s oldest veteran and his story continue to inspire generations across Texas and beyond.
About Huston-Tillotson University
Huston-Tillotson University, the first institution of higher education in Austin, Texas, has roots dating back to 1875. Huston-Tillotson University is an independent, church-related, historically Black, four-year liberal arts institution located on a 23-acre tree-lined campus near downtown in East Austin. Huston-Tillotson University’s mission is to nurture a legacy of leadership and excellence in education, connecting knowledge, power, passion, and values. The University offers associate and master’s degrees in addition to Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in more than 19 areas of study. Huston-Tillotson University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
