If you’re unfamiliar with the word “centenarian,” it refers to someone who is at least 100 years old.
How many centenarians are there at Town Village of Leawood? At last count, we had four—incredibly, the youngest among them is 100!
Meta (104), Meyer (104), Bill (102), and Paul (100) are the community’s four centenarians.
Bill, Mike, and Paul all served in World War II, representing a generation of incredible courage and sacrifice. Meta is the grande dame of them all. Here are their stories.
Meta (104 years old): A retired high school English teacher for 34 years, Meta instilled a love for creativity in her students through plays and literature. This Wisconsin native has lived a rich life, exploring the West with her husband, residing in the Ozarks, and eventually settling in Kansas City.
Now, Meta embraces modern advancements like audiobooks and her Amazon Alexa while maintaining a lifelong love for learning. Her secret to a long life is simple: “to keep living” with an open mind and an eagerness for new experiences.
Meyer “Mike”(104 years old): Widely known as Mike, Meyer is a WWII veteran whose bravery earned him the prestigious Silver Star medal. Following retirement, he discovered his true calling in serving others, particularly homeless veterans, through organizations like Heart of America Stand Down and various veterans groups.
Despite facing anti-Semitism throughout his life, Mike remains proud of his Jewish heritage. His unwavering commitment to service and finding meaning in helping others is a testament to his strong character.
Bill (102 years old): A Town Village of Leawood resident for over eight years, Bill brings warmth and a wealth of experience to our community. This WWII veteran served his country with honor and continues to find joy in studying the Bible, exercising regularly, and savoring the delicious meals in our community.
Bill credits a fulfilling life, good food, and a convenient lifestyle for his longevity. Notably, he highlights the airplane as the most significant technological marvel for connecting loved ones across distances, reflecting his deep appreciation for family.
Paul (100 years old): Our number four centenarian is a proud WWII veteran who served in the Pacific Theater. Paul also succeeded in business as the owner and president of American Textile Mills – Nu Towel Company.
Family is central to Paul’s life; he enjoys spending time with his children, stepchildren, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Known for his appreciation of the finer things, Paul enjoys bridge games and classic Western shows. He embraces modern technology, particularly artificial intelligence, and credits a touch of indulgence – in moderation, of course! – as part of his recipe for a long life.
That’s an incredible number of centenarians!
“We are incredibly honored to have these remarkable individuals as part of our Town Village of Leawood family,” said Troy Florian, Executive Director at Town Village of Leawood. “Reaching 100 years old is a momentous achievement. Their stories and experiences are a true inspiration to us all.”