(INDIAN WELLS, CA) - The man thought to be the oldest man in America has died.
Clarence "Larry" Matthews of Indian Wells, CA died Saturday at the age of 111.
He was born in Oakland, CA on May 1, 1906.
He witnessed the effects of World War I, World War II and even supported his family through the Great Depression.
Matthews is being remembered as a generous man to his community, who also contributed to the building of Saint Francis of Assisi church in La Quinta, CA.
"He did very, very well in construction and building development and all that," said Matthews' friend, Larry Bonafide. "But I think just being a really good person, being a good man, a god-fearing man, loving his family and being really good to his friends, I don't know if you can do much better than that."
Matthews was reportedly the oldest living American for the past 14 months.
Friends said his family was by his side when he died peacefully in his sleep.
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