LAS CRUCES - For the last 40 years, Jack Saunders Sr., 101, has eaten at McDonald's every day. Friday was no different, but what was special was his 101st birthday celebration.

Saunders, a former dean of the College of Education at New Mexico State University for 15 years has lived in Las Cruces for over 60 years.

Saunders was surrounded by family and friends at the McDonald's on North Main Street as an employee who sees Saunders every day came to greet him. Saunders shook the employee's hand and smiled as "Happy Birthday" balloons floated above his head.

Las Cruces:Man celebrates 100th birthday

He wore a "Happy Birthday" pin as well as a hat that had a large "101 yo" written in blue, sparkly paint. Saunders had worn a hat with "100" written on it for the past year.

Saunders, a World War II veteran, said his wife Kitty passed seven years ago.

Nathan J. Fish can be reached at 575-541-5445, nathan.fish@gannett.com or @photojfish on Twitter.