‘I Wanted to See the World’, Central Florida WWII Veteran Celebrates 105th Anniversary

EDGEWATER, Florida. – On Monday, a local World War II veteran celebrated his 105th birthday with friends and family.

Richard Overman Sr. has a pretty simple formula when it comes to living a long and happy life.

“Keep busy, make friends, have fun,” Overman said. “I take every day and get as much out of it as possible.”

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Overman’s son, Richard Overman Jr., was also there to celebrate the big day.

“There are a lot of thoughts going through my head,” Overman Jr. said. “It’s just admiration for a good father and a good person.”

A good man who served over 20 years in the US Air Force.

“I wanted to see the world,” Overman said. “The only reason I went to serve with a friend is because we were looking for adventure and found it.”

During World War II, Overman traveled all over the world.

“I’ve been to North Africa, Sicily and Italy,” Overman said. “The war ended, we were all picked up and put on a boat, and my whole squadron ended up in one of those southern countries. There were 17 air groups there and they were ready to go to Japan and end the war.”

After serving in the military, Overman worked in law enforcement for 22 years, 16 of which he spent in the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

“I worked for 22 years and retired, and then I worked as a police officer for 22 years and enjoyed doing both,” Overman said. “I would redo both of them if I could.

Overman Jr. also had a career in law enforcement and has said that it was his father who inspired him to join the force.

“You know, I mean if I told the truth, I would say yes,” Overman Jr. said. “Perhaps I didn’t say that then. I spent almost 40 years in law enforcement and have never looked back.”

Woodrow Wilson was President of the United States when Overman was born in 1918. Since then, he has seen more than a dozen presidents, the Great Depression and several wars. Overman’s son said he handles the crisis better than he does everyday life.

“I’m not giving up,” Overman said. “I went through difficult times and got through everything. You won’t live 105 years and you won’t have problems because you have them.”

Overman said he has no plans to slow down anytime soon.

“I’m just having fun with other people,” Overman said. “You can’t have fun alone. If you go into a corner, you won’t live a very happy life.”

Overman ended his big birthday with a party that, of course, included cake and gifts.

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