"As long as you perform a public service, you have a reason to live"

Brown — who was born on June 22, 1907, in Hutchinson, Kan. — is six years older than the next oldest sitting federal judge. At least eight other federal judges are in their 90s, according to a federal court database.

He began his career in private practice in Hutchinson in 1933 and was appointed U.S. district judge in 1962. He has outlived two wives and only moved into an assisted living center four years ago…

“I will quit this job when I think it is time,” Brown said. “And I hope I do so and leave the country in better shape because I have been a part of it.”