STOCKTON, Calif. — A Stockton military veteran, former doctor and lover of the arts celebrated his 101st birthday Wednesday.
Dr. Marvin Lee Lykins was born in 1923 and served as a medical technician during World War II. He then became a physician in Germany, then family physician and charter member of the American Board of Family Practice for more than 38 years.
He says his secret to living to 101 is "doing what your mama told you," "following the rules" and having a good understanding of diet.
"It’s not necessarily what [you] do to live longer. It’s what [you] don’t do to live longer," said Lykins. "Follow the rules and you’ll have a happy, healthy life and are as fortunate and blessed as I am. I’m very blessed."
"I'm so excited he's getting such recognition. He's led an amazing life," said Diana Larson, Lykins' daughter. "He talks the most about my mother."
He and his wife had what he described as a "successful, very happy marriage" lasting 65 years before her death in 2017.
"I never expected to live this long," said Lykins. "Life’s been good to me."
Mayor Kevin Lincoln attended the event with other community members to celebrate and honor Lykins life and birthday. Memorabilia and photographs from his life were at the event, depicting the man's many interests and stories to tell.
The Oklahoma native, who now lives at Oakmont of Brookside in Stockton, has many passions in life from learning foreign languages and sculpting to photography, music and traveling.
In his love of art, Lykins learned how to paint religious icons and mosaics in his retirement and has contributed multiple pieces to his church and local museums.
"At his age, he is still teaching me life lessons: always say thank you, always treat people with respect," said Larson.