In spite of a winter cold, Gene Sheridan will gather today with family and friends for a birthday celebration.

And there will be a lot of candles on the cake.

The Ironton business owner is celebrating his 91st birthday. Sheridan was born Feb. 12, 1912.

As a child, he helped his father, L.L. Sheridan, in the family business, East End Hardware. In spite of his age, his daughter, Debbie Bammer said customers can sometimes still find him there sometimes, during better weather.

"He went up this summer some," Bammer said. "He goes to church every day, too, when he feels better." Sheridan is an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. He is also a big fan of horse racing and the Kentucky Derby.

Sheridan has 11 children, all of whom still live in the Ironton area. He has 27 grand children and 23 great-grandchildren.