Austin’s oldest World War II veteran celebrates his 109th birthday

Richard Overton, left, smokes a cigar with a few neighborhood friends Donna Shorts, center and Martin Wilford Sunday, May 3, 2015, in Austin, Texas.. Overton, is considered to be the oldest living World War II veteran in the United States, celebrated his 109th birthday on a front porch in East Austin with friends and family. Wilford, right, says that he has known Overton for 37 years and he looks at Mr. Overton as if he was his biological father. (Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman via AP) less Richard Overton, left, smokes a cigar with a few neighborhood friends Donna Shorts, center and Martin Wilford Sunday, May 3, 2015, in Austin, Texas.. Overton, is considered to be the oldest living World War II ... more Photo: Ricardo B. Brazziell, Associated Press Photo: Ricardo B. Brazziell, Associated Press Image 1 of / 54 Caption Close Austin’s oldest World War II veteran celebrates his 109th birthday 1 / 54 Back to Gallery

World War II veteran Richard Overton, one of the world's oldest veterans, celebrated his 109th birthday in Austin on Sunday.

Overton spoke with KVUE in Austin while meeting with Mayor Steve Adler, officials with the police department and his slew of extended family members and friends. He chowed down on a warm burger, fries and a slice of cake, stating he was surprised to see so many people come together in his name.

“I’m really surprised, I really didn’t know there was going to be this many people. I knew it was going to be somebody, but I didn’t know it was going to be like this and I really enjoyed it,” Overton said.

The veteran hopes to see a big turnout for his birthday next year, when he will turn 110.

RELATED: Oldest known veteran, 110, blazed path for blacks, women

Overton had previously been touted as the oldest World War II veteran, but that title has shifted recently.

Emma Didlake turned 110 on March 13 and had joined the Women’s Army Auxilary Corps in 1943. As a black woman, she broke numerous barriers through her work in the military. She’s just ahead of Phyllis Josephine Thompson, an Army nurse who turned 109 in March.

Scroll through the slideshow above to see photos of Richard Overton, as well as Lucy Coffey, who was once named the oldest woman veteran.

twhite@mysa.com

Twitter: @tylerlwhite