DURANT, OK--For three generations, Sherrer's Restaurant in Durant has been a staple in the community. Homemade pies and hearty burgers are just a few reasons locals say they keep coming back.

But, today community members gathered outside the restaurant to celebrate the person they say makes the restaurant so special.

Friends, family, city officials and restaurant patrons gathered outside Sherrer's today to celebrate the life of the man responsible for more than 60 years of great food and hospitality.

Leon Sherrer said, “It sets a record not only for Durant, but just about anywhere, restaurants are not normally long life."

Longtime friend, Oden Grube said, "It's a landmark, people from years ago used to ride through as they said. This was kind of the drive through or the drag and it's still a landmark because people today after all these years continue to come here and eat."

Leon Sherrer said he was humbled and honored to have so many people come out for his birthday celebration which included a visit from long time friend, Bobbie Dodd, all the way from Iowa.

Sherrer was awarded with a Proclamation from the City of Durant declaring his birthday, February 6th, Leon Sherrer Day.

A portion of 9th Avenue that Sherrer takes to work was also dedicated in his likeness.

"Ninety years of effort, it took me ninety years to win this," Sherrer said, jokingly.

His grandchildren and great-grandchildren gave KXII a tour of the restaurant that so many Texoman's have enjoyed over the years.

Memorabilia fills the walls of the restaurant that opened its doors in 1948.

The menu hasn't changed much over the years, but everyone seems to have their favorites.

Leon Sherrer grew up in Antlers, with seven brothers and three sisters.

He's currently the most senior city council member in all of Oklahoma.

He's served as a council member in Durant for nearly eight years and is also a member of the Oklahoma Restaurant Association.