Richard Overton continues fight against pneumonia

Richard Overton is America's oldest living World War II veteran and, a true Austin treasure.

In the recent days, the 111-year-old has been hospitalized with pneumonia.

Volma Overton a distant cousin of Mr. Overton said he's been by Mr. Overton's side since Thursday. "After they checked him in and all the tests they found out that he had Pneumonia in both lungs," said Volma,

Mr. Overton has been at Saint David's Hospital fighting his diagnosis and his devoted Austinites haven't forgotten about him. "Austin really loves Richard," said Volma.

As of Friday afternoon, FOX 7's Facebook page has been flooded with thousands of shares and supporters posting messages of hope and prayers.

One FOX 7 viewer posting that Mr.Overton still has a lot to do on this earth and that his friends and family aren't ready for him to go. "Prayers Mr. Overton to you and your family! We know God wants another legend for his crew of angles, but tell him you aren't done teaching us things down here yet! He can wait."

Along with social media support, political leaders are also showing some love to Mr. Overton. Mayor Steve Adler re-tweeted FOX 7 Thursday afternoon saying he and his wife have Mr. Overton in their prayers.

Volma said the 111-year-old veteran's health has improved however, they aren't sure when he will be leaving the hospital. "I've been with him several hours this morning already and a he's coming back around," said Volma.

A couple months back, Mr. Overton gave Austinies a scare when he landed in the hospital because of pneumonia. "Probably not even a month ago he was on medications so we thought the Pneumonia was done. So we are really shocked that this is what's going on now," said Volma.

He said he doesn't have a doubt in his mind that Mr. Overton will be coming home soon.

"Richard knows how everybody is concerned about him but i just want to pass onto everybody else that Richard loves you all he loves Austin he loves the warm feelings that come to him from so many different people," said Volma.

The Overton family started a Go Fund Me account to help with Mr. Overton's medical bills.

If your interested in donating visit https://www.gofundme.com/Help-Richard-Overton.