The city of Austin Historic Landmark Commission voted 7-0 to initiate the historic zoning process for the home that belonged to Richard Overton, a World War II veteran and decadeslong resident of East Austin, at a Sept. 23 meeting.

Overton died at the age of 112 in December. Until his death, he was the country’s oldest World War II veteran.

“He was a treasure to this country, but he was even more of a treasure … to our family,” said Volma Overton Jr., Richard Overton’s cousin, who applied for a historic designation for his relative's property.

Born in 1906, Richard Overton built the one-bedroom home at 2011 Hamilton Ave. in East Austin in 1948.

“There’s so much history in that home,” Volma said.

Many dignitaries visited Richard’s home, Volma said, and it was his cousin's “last dying wish” for his home to be converted into a museum, which a historic designation could help move forward.

The case will return to the commission in October for further consideration.