Late

So, the other day I ate a meal that was fit for a king.
"Here King, here King!"
(Thanks to the late Henny Youngman for that one.)

Why do we call dead people "late", as in "the late Henny Youngman"? What are they late for? A staff meeting?

"Where's Henny?"
"He's late."
"What, is he caught in traffic?"
"No. He's dead."

What about if you really are late for a staff meeting? Can you use the word "dead" in your excuse.

"Sorry I'm dead, but the traffic was awful!"

Cemeteries are full of late people. So don't be late or you'll be dead.