VETERANS' HOME RESIDENT CELEBRATES 100TH BIRTHDAY

Pertle Probst knows a little bit about almost everything, but longevity is his specialty.

Probst, a Cape Girardeau County native, celebrated his 100th birthday Wednesday at the Missouri Veterans' Home. The party also was sponsored by the Jackson American Legion Post 158.

Probst was born Aug. 21, 1896, at Neelys Landing, north of Cape Girardeau. He was the second-oldest of six children in the family and is the only remaining survivor.

He also is one of few surviving World War I veterans in the United States -- only 8,500 remain. Probst is one of three World War I veterans who live at the home.

Probst served 30 months overseas with an artillery unit during the war. He came back to Cape Girardeau near the end of the war after his father's death.

After returning, he worked as chief mechanic for Brennecke Motors and operated his own garage in Jackson until he retired.

But retirement didn't quite satisfy him. He has always been active, whether it was gardening, raising bees or hunting and fishing.

Although he is confined to a wheelchair much of the time, Probst participates in many activities at the Veterans' Home, said Ken Lipps, volunteer services director.

Probst's secret for staying so healthy is simple. "I stayed away from doctors and pills," he said. "If you want to get sick, just go to the hospital."

Probst celebrated his birthday with members of the American Legion, of which he has been a member for more than 70 years.