The oldest living World War II veteran is turning 109

Richard Overton.
(Image credit: Twitter.com/ABC)

At 108, Richard Overton is the oldest living World War II veteran, and he doesn't bother trying to figure out the secret to his longevity.

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"That's what God only knows," he told ABC News. "That's God's work. He's the one who keeps me living." The Austin, Texas, resident turns 109 on Monday, but he's been celebrating with family and friends in the days leading up to the milestone: On Sunday, about 100 people, including Mayor Steve Adler, came out to celebrate at his "Mighty Fine at 109" party. "I feel like I've made it," he said. "I know I can't make another 109, so I'm satisfied with this one."

Overton smokes 12 cigars a day — he says he started at 18 — and has outlived two wives. While he doesn't have any children, he never feels like he's missing out. "I have a lot of family," he said. “The biggest family in Austin."

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Catherine Garcia, The Week US

Catherine Garcia is night editor for TheWeek.com. Her writing and reporting has appeared in Entertainment Weekly and EW.com, The New York Times, The Book of Jezebel, and other publications. A Southern California native, Catherine is a graduate of the University of Redlands and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.