American Orville Allen donated his liver after his death last May at the age of 98. The organ was successfully transplanted into a 72-year-old woman. He is the oldest American ever to donate an organ, according to transplant foundations.

Allen was in good health before he died after a fall. According to doctors, his liver was suitable for donation. The 98-year-old is not registered as an organ donor, but his relatives agreed to the transplant.

Allen was a native of Missouri and served as a pilot in the United States Air Force during World War II. He also participated in the Korean War.

According to his family, the donation suits Allen’s personality. He was known for always being the first to help. “The donation turned our father’s death into a little bright spot, because he did what he always does. He donated again,” says his daughter, Linda.

Linda says the transplant inspired others to sign up as donors. “A lot of people at the funeral said they would sign up right away.”

The number of organ donations by older people is increasing, because doctors are encouraged not to immediately reject an organ because of age, but to study each individual individually. Organ donation in the United States has previously been done by a 95-year-old and a 90-year-old.