What’s the secret to longevity? For this Northern Kentucky centenarian, it could be Skyline Chili cheese coneys.John Klette Jr. has seen it all. He flew 51 bombing missions in World War II, and about a decade later, he flew 50 more in Korea. Now, at the age of 100, Klette is a creature of habit. He's a regular at the Crescent Springs Skyline Chili, where he celebrated a century of life on Thursday."A hot dog with mustard," he explained about his daily order. "Or I get the salad and, once in a while, I take a baked potato."Friends and family gathered at the restaurant Thursday afternoon to honor Klette for his military service and to give thanks for his full and accomplished century of life. His grandson helped him inside the Skyline restaurant Thursday. The entire place applauded when he walked in.Klette glanced across the room with a smile of surprise. He wasn't expecting all the attention, all the fuss and all the balloons.He was escorted to a table as patrons joined in the traditional singing of Happy Birthday.Klette is as much a part of the Crescent Springs Skyline as the mustard on his usual hot dog.Ralph Drees, a longtime friend, looked his way and told us, "Body's gettin' a little tough time gettin' around, but he's got a great mind."Heather Jansen, another friend, pointed out, "He doesn't like to have people to make a fuss. But he deserves it."They love him here for what they describe as his honest-as-the-day-is-long legal work, his half-century of service on the Highland Cemetery board and for his defense of country as a young man of maturity, intellect and courage.He spoke passionately about his love for real estate law and for aviation. He continues practicing law to this day with his daughter, Ruth, who told us he carries her to-do list around in his head.We asked about his sentiment towards turning 100 years old. "No different from yesterday," he answered in a matter-of-fact fashion.Klette said he loves talking baseball with the wait staff at Skyline. He also indicated old soldiers sometimes just soldier on right past any thought of retirement."Work in the office every day. I've enjoyed my life. Got my aviation," Klette said.They passed the cake around to mark his 100th year and swapped some stories.Tom Honebrink said everyone associated with the cemetery appreciates his dedication as a member of the Board of Directors."You know, he's just a down-to-earth kind of a guy and not pretentious at all," said Honebrink. "So, when the camera goes off, I'll tell you all the bad stuff," he added to a burst of laughter.The word "amazing" was used more than a few times by those around Klette. "I always loved to fly," he said. "And you forget the danger of it."He said he recently discovered another John Klette who flew out of the 8th Air Force and became a full Colonel. He's from Nebraska. At the table Thursday before paying attention to his lunch, Klette said he'd like to make contact. Strange, he said, there would be two pilots with the same name in the same war.There were well-wishes all around. Klette was gracious, patient and true to form, according to those who know him well.He took it all in stride. It was a milestone day, but also just another day to him.It was time to head to the office. Friday would bring another work day and lunch at Skyline.