U.S. Navy World War II veteran Eugene “Gene” J. Baltes, a member of the Illinois Regional Group, was already the oldest known living male in the United States following the passing of 110-year-old Vincent Dransfield of New Jersey this past June. Later this month, Gene will celebrate with family, friends, and a few fellow veterans his own milestone of 110 years.

A resident of River Forest, Illinois, Gene began his military career voluntarily in November 1941 at age 27 just one month prior to the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Jump ahead 83 years and, for the better part of the last ten, he has been the oldest living BVA member and the longest living BVA member ever, for which members of the Association’s Illinois Regional Group to which he belongs have consistently expressed gratitude for his “service, longevity, and desire to affiliate with the regional group and national organization.”

Gene was born in Scott, Missouri, on October 29, 1914, to John and Margaret Baltes, the latter of whom lived to the age of 98. His grandmother, Elizabeth Breuer, lived to the age of 99. At the time of his birth, he had one older sister, Helen, and by 1920, he would be blessed with two additional siblings, Bernadette and Vincent. Following his military discharge, he worked 18 years for the U.S. Postal Service. Gene’s years in retirement have been dedicated to traveling, playing golf, and supporting his church.

Gene repeatedly attributes his longevity to clean living which includes never smoking and never drinking.