Lincoln centenarian still drives to McDonald's

Antonio (Tony) Rojas Avila celebrated his 100th birthday June 7 at McBean Park. Mr. Avila was born in Mexico on June 8, 1925, and has been a Lincoln resident since 1938. The Avila family arrived in Lincoln with their eight children after picking fruit throughout the state. It was Lincoln, when picking plums, where they decided to stay. The large family of 10 originally lived in two tents and worked hard to quickly establish a permanent home when a brother was hired with the railroad. The pieces fell into place, as each sibling established themselves. Mr. Avila began working for Gladding McBean, & Co. in 1940 when he was 15 years old, retiring 47 years later. He has four children, daughter Lydia and sons Anthony, Pat and Jimmy, as well as four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Mr. Avila has resided in the same home since 1964. Currently, his daughter and son-in-law live with him for extra support. Mr. Avila remains decisively independent and lives on a schedule described by his good friend, Billy Silvas, "… as though he still has a job." For 20 years, he has driven himself, seven days a week, to McDonald's, where he meets his friends for a morning visit over a cup of coffee. After visiting, he comes home for lunch and off he goes again. His day of socializing ends at 4:30 p.m. when he returns home. Asked about his secret to longevity, Mr. Avila promptly replied that remaining socially active keeps him going. Social activity with family and friends gives him purpose and reason to keep moving as well as the enjoyment he receives babysitting his great-grandchildren one day a week. Mr. Avila continues to sing and play his guitar and harmonica, saying it keeps him happy and is another reason for his longevity. Speaking with Tony Avila is a delight. He does not sound like, move like, nor look like any nonagenarian I have known. He is a remarkable man who genuinely lives his life with exuberance. Happy birthday, Tony!