 Although partially blind from glaucoma by the age of 109 and completely blind from cataracts by 111 , he nevertheless retained his memory and good health until his final days ; his medical history showed no signs of high blood pressure , heart or kidney trouble or diabetes . He was able to walk without a cane or walker , preferring not to use one , and was able to feed himself , including Cheerios for breakfast , his favorite vanilla ice cream with his other meals and a daily can of Ensure for energy . While he enjoyed recounting tales from his military experience , he never complained about the segregated nature of his unit , preferring instead to focus on his own exploits on the job . 
