Thomas Charles "Tom" Little

October 23, 1932 - August 12, 2015

Thomas Charles Little was born on October 23, 1932, to Charlotte Maxine (Jones) Little and Thomas Jefferson “Doc” Little, in Pershing, Iowa. He attended schools in Pershing and Attica, and married Ruth Marie Cleair in 1950. They recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. Tom is survived by his wife, Ruth Little of Pershing; son Thomas “Wayne” (Karol) of Knoxville; grandson Andrew (Christin) of Knoxville; grandson Douglas (Randi) of St. Paul, MN; several great-grandchildren; sister Twila Rankin of Knoxville; and several cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends. Tom worked at Maytag in Newton for 42 years, then worked at Pella Regional Health Center for 8 years. Tom was an avid hunter and fisherman. He participated in numerous sports over the years, including softball, basketball, tennis, golf, table tennis, and bowling, and has accumulated many awards and trophies. He shared his knowledge of baseball as a Little League coach for many years, for his son and grandson, in Knoxville and Bussey. Tom was very active in the Iowa senior Olympics, traveling to many states to participate in related activities. He was inducted into the Iowa Senior Olympics Hall of Fame in 2013. Tom was a regular blood donor up until 2013. Tom always had a story or a joke, and didn’t know a stranger. He was a regular at neighborhood card games. Tom passed away on August 12, 2015, after a short illness, at his Pershing home, where he lived for 75 years. When Tom got sick, he said, “I’ve had a good life, a good wife, a good son; I’ve done all I wanted to do, I’m ready to go.” As Tom wished, his body will be cremated and visitation for Tom will begin on Sunday, August 16, 2015, at 4:00 P.M., at the Winfield Funeral Home of Knoxville. Tom’s family will be greeting friends from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M., Sunday evening. Memorial services for Tom will be held at 11:00 A.M., Monday, August 17, 2015 at the Winfield Funeral Home of Knoxville, with Pastor Marvin Cleair officiating. A private family burial will be held at Zion Cemetery at a later date. A memorial in Tom’s memory has been established to the Pershing Community Center. Condolences may be sent to www.winfieldfh.com. The Winfield Funeral Home of Knoxville is assisting Tom’s family with services. WINFIELD FUNERAL HOME ~ KNOXVILLE, IOWA 202 E. Washington Street Leroy Winfield, Funeral Director 641-842-5126 www.winfieldfh.com