My eulogy at Dad's Celebration of Life

Hello everyone, most of you here knew my dad and so you know exactly who I am.  If you didn't have the pleasure of meeting him I am sorry for you and even sorrier for me because your opinion of me may be very different than his.  I am Pamela Falter his youngest daughter by 18 mos. and I am perfect in every aspect.  I am his beautiful, brilliant, athletic, freckled little redhead!  He told everyone he met how wonderful I am and told them every time he saw them.  I am also one of the two best daughters and pretty much overall best person in this entire world.  I am sorry if you don't believe what I am telling you but it really is true.  Oh, and my children are perfect too, just like me!  
 In reality, I don't think for a second any of the above is close to being factual, but my dad believed every word of it.  He was brain injured and physically limited after his car accident when I was six but I never doubted even for a second that he loved me.  No father can give their children everything but every dad can give something and my dad gave me complete and unconditional love.   
 He told some great stories- some made me angry, others amazed me and my favorites had me laughing until tears came to my eyes.  I will quickly share one of my favorites.  A lot of his stories were true but some of them were dreamed or imagined.  However, he was fully convinced his imagined stories were reality when in fact they were complete fabrications.  One day (this is his story and there is no truth to it) he found some cigarettes in my mom's purse.  He was pretty upset that my mom had started smoking.  He asked for weeks if she only smoked at work and that's why he didn't know.  She kept telling him that he had not found cigarettes in her purse and she didn't smoke.  However, once dad had something in his mind there was no level of arguing or reasoning that would change his belief.  For weeks he repeated the â€œstoryâ€ and for weeks my mom, my sister and I told him she didn't smoke.  He was convinced she only smoked at work he was still disappointed.  Once day my mom decided to change her story.  The next time he said Janet I can't believe I found cigarettes in your purse!  She did not reply no you didn't Allan and then listen to him say oh, that right you only smoke at work,  She replied, â€œAllan, I was holding those cigarettes for Lucretia they were hers.â€  I don't smoke even at work they were hers.  Next time, my dad brought it up he corrected himself and said oh that's right Janet the cigarettes where Lucretia's and that became his new reality.  So, sorry Lucretia but my dad went to heaven convinced you smoke and my mom held your cigarettes for you.   Trust me she isn't the only scape goat we used over the years!
 His stories were grand and full of animation.  He held fast to his opinions and his belief in God.  He didn't like what his accident did to our family and that he couldn't return to work but he would have accepted the challenge from God with love knowing that because of him and his struggles many would come to know Jesus.  And after all that is the most important job a person has in life, it's what we are called to do.  I can only imagine upon my dad's arrival to Heaven his savior said â€œWell done my good and faithful servant!â€ Matthew 25:21.

Allan was a joy to share our Tuesdays at Breaktime. He truly treasured all the trips he took and sights he was able to enjoy. We will miss him and his "whistle" he always gave when Cyndi ask him to call us to attention.

God is the God of all encouragement and I pray you sense His presence. Death is hard; especially a husband of 51 years. Thank you for your loving and caring example as a faithful wife. You're an inspiration. I'm thankful for you and your family. God's best!

My prayers go with you Janet, as you adjust to a new life. Allan is certainly going to be missed at Breaktime. He always got us started with his famous whistle! I wanted to tell you, also, how much I have admired you over the years getting Allan to Breaktime and always in a cheerful mood. Allan did share his accident but you turned a very tragic and difficult situation into many years of wonderful memories. Bless you

I am so glad I knew Allan. He was a true inspiration

My favorite memory of Uncle Allan was how thrilled he was evey time he got a new beanie cap. He came to our wedding and he had this new beanie cap that was African type colors and he was so proud of that Hat. I can remember him telling me the story of how he got the beanie cap and it looked really great on him. 
He is reunited with his other siblings that have gone before him. I am quite sure that my Dad, Nila and Clarence are rejoicing in his presence. My father always had nothing but Love for Uncle Allan. 
Also I was so happy to have spent a little time with him before we left KC that last month.. Heaven just got a little better by his presence. 
Love 
Denise Littlefield-Heinle and Family

Allan was my youngest brother.  He was 3 years and 1 day younger than me.  If I did not say that 1 day, he would call me out...no matter where we were.
In my opinion Allan was the brightest of all my siblings.  He was the youngest of seven.  He was so bright it made him get under my skin very fast, was not his fault, that was just Allan.  He was known to run to the phone.  I think he thought he would miss the call.  He was the first of us to graduate college.  That was from Southern Illinois University. (SIUE) Allan was the tallest of all his siblings.  He was almost as big as I as when were growing up.  Therefore he wanted to tag along all the time.  Mom and Dad thought that was alright, so we were together a great deal.
QUICK STORY:   One hot summer day in Southern Illinois (Murphysboro), he and I wanted to go swimming.  We took off for High Rock Creek south of town. In order to get to the favorite swimming hole, we had to cross the Big Muddy River by way of a train trestle.  I was ahead of Allan, so I started pushing my bike and walking on the ties, seeing the river below.  I heard the train coming.  I looked around and Allan was about a third of the way across the trestle.  I could see he was not going to make it, so I turned around to help him. He had started back (I told you he was very bright).  When I caught him, we were about 30' to safety, so I threw my bike over to the bank of the river below, and did the same with his. By this time the train was close to us, and blowing his whistle full blast.  I was able to get us both on the concrete column of the trestle and jump.  It was a long way down, but the mud was soft and we sank up to our knees.  We were safe.. Our bikes were not damaged so we got back on the trestle and rode our bikes on to the swimming hole laughing all the way.  What a memory.
I loved my brother very much and even though we did not see each other as much as we both wanted, I loved and respected him more than anyone knew.  We are ok Allan and you have graduated to the place we all want to be.  I know you are not missing me, like I am missing you, but we will be together again some day.  OLE "John W." signing off.

I became a member of the littlefield family more than 55 years ago, and have a lot of favorite memories.  One very early memory was the Sunday afternoon Allan challenged me to a bowling game.  I really didn't think I could beat him, but I loved bowling in those days, so off to the alley we went.  I guess I had a really ON day and Allan had an off day, because I beat him.  He was devastated.  He was such a competitor and he was crushed.  He spent the next few years trying to figure out how that happened.  I think he tried to get even with me by coming to our house for dinner every week and eating a whole loaf of bread and drinking a gallon of milk at one meal. Shot my budget for the week.  He was a great brother-in-law and loved his family to the moon and back.
Psalm 103:2 BLESS THE LORD O MY SOUL AND FORGET NOT ALL HIS BENEFITS.  Allan you were a benefit to our family and to many others.  You are missed.  "Norma"

A letter to my dearest Uncle Allan,             Now when I ask "how are you uncle?" Your answer will not be "I have no idea, haven't known for 35 years" now it will be, Great! You should see this golden mansion of our Lord, I am sitting at his right hand. I am strong in mind and body and I know such peace.  Uncle, please look down upon me and remember when we were kids, the foursome, Wally, Allan, Pat and Peggy. Smile, because when you two boys made us call you uncle, we really loved it! And when you dressed us up in your football uniforms and we could barely walk, you made us feel loved big brother. You rode us on the handlebars of your bike, and though we couldn't even reach the pedals, you tried to teach us how to ride by holing and pushing, and running along side! You carried us on your shoulders when we were so tired coming home from the show , many times. then would cut across the graveyard to scare us, you rascals!   Many years will come and go for us and your own personal angel of a wife, here on Earth, but you need only blink, and all of us will be with you! Until that day, all my love, always and forever, your niece (little sister in heart)  Patricia Thelma.

After 51 years of having Allan with you, I'm sure it feels terribly lonely by yourself- I just wanted you to know we love and care about you and your family.
With sympathy, love and prayers

A wonderfull uncle,who always felt more like a big brother to me,only 5 years older,BUT, always made my sister pat and I call him uncle! I love him with all my heart. His love of family was as deep and abiding as his love of our lord God. His life was a hard test for me when so suddenly his aspirations were so cruelly taken away. But he told me , just last fall, that we were so lucky to have such free will, to make our own destinies. I get it, finally. And to my aunt Janet, devotion and courage and true love should all be your middle name. My esteem and admiration for you can never be equaled by another soul. I love you deeply and sincerely.

Allan was always a joy to have as one of my patients. He will be missed greatly by the HOPE team. I will never forget the joy of him telling me over and over "cowboys boots are the most comfortable shoe in the world!" And, how beautiful an Alaskan cruise is,(which is now on my bucket list!) If we can help in any way do not hesitate to call.

Janet- Your care of Allan was inspirational to me I admired it both as your colleague at CICU & while he was on service previously. You and your family gave him such a great quality of life. Denise Sanders, APRN, North Care Hospice

I'm very sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of Allan. I always enjoyed the enthusiasm he had for what he was talking about-his daughters, the birds that came to his feeders, old sports stars like Clyde Lovellete. I'm glad I knew him

I had the privilege of working with Allan at Northland Shepherd Center weekly.  Allan shared many stories of his youth, work and travels. He was most proud of Janet's participation in marathons and was always bragging about her accomplishments. Janet's loyal devotion to Allan through the trips and occasions they shared demonstrated their love for one another.  All of us at Breaktime with truly Allan and his whistle.

When we moved in next door to Allan and Janet, he asked me my name.  I told him "Jerry Nauss".  After that each time we saw each other he asked my name again.  Then he always wanted my middle name, which I told him many times - "James".  It is "Jerry James Nauss". For some reason he started calling me Jerry Edward. I just left it alone, figuring  he could call me whatever he liked. So I am now Jerry "Edward" Nauss. I had many conversations with Allan over the 20+ years of our friendship, and it was easy to see his drive to excel and the self confidence he must have had before his accident.  With his strong personality and positive attitude, he was a natural salesman.
We would visit back and forth, watch TV or just sit & talk. During one visit he told me he had gotten acquainted with Bob Gibson (St. Louis Cardinals). Bob was dating a nurse that worked with Janet. He had given Allan a signed baseball (in dark blue ink). I saw it a couple of times, as he was so proud of it. One day Allan asked me if I had ever seen the baseball. I said that I had, but would like to see it again. Allan handed me the ball, but something was different. I had to laugh. I asked him what happened to Bob Gibson's signature. He said part of the signature had faded, so he touched it up (in red ink, no less).
I can imagine Allan in heaven, now a brighter place because he is there selling & installing GE bulbs. I also imagine him in heaven, gazing at the ten commandments, with hammer & chisel in hand, saying "I just want to touch it up a little".

I had the privilege of being Allan's friend and personal trainer. That meant I got to visit with him on a regular basis for two hours each week. His life did not go like he planned as an accident changed him forever. The once successful GE salesman, no longer able to work because of the brain injury, continued to live life as full as his body and brain would allow. I always knew there was a level of frustration there that he had to deal with that I could not fully appreciate.
His love for the St. Louis Cardinals--and all things St. Louis for that matter--his love for GE, Bryant's BBQ, Chicago and Jackie Robinson are legend. His love for them was only surpassed by his love for his family and for his God, whom he served faithfully all his days. The accident did not change that.

When "Mr Littlefield" volunteered in my 2nd grade classroom he taught the children so much. It was a joy watching them learn that a disability is not the person they care about.You also taught so many about love.

We know that your faith and many years of wonderful memories will be a comfort to you now- along with the caring of friends who knew Allan.

My deepest sympathies to you and your family. I am sure Allan's death is hard to absorb but think of him as free from his wheelchair and entertaining new and old friends in heaven with his great stories. What a wonderful caretaker you were. No one could ask for anything more. God bless you and your family.

Allan was a special person to me.  He was always thanking me for even a small favor. I felt competent when I was his caregiver because even if I made a mistake, he would accept that and move forward by helping me correct it.  
Allan had many a story to tell about his childhood as a migrant worker.  He was one of seven children who helped his parents pick fruit at all times of the year.   He went to school and would work after school with his father and siblings picking peaches, sour cherries, sweet cherries, apples and pears in Michigan.  In the summer they would pick watermelons, oranges and grapefruit.

He told me once he was selling watermelons off the back of a truck and he would call out â€œwatermelons, watermelonsâ€. To act like he was a child, he would say it in a high falsetto and he would make me laugh every time he told that story.

He also told me that as a boy about being very good at playing marbles and would win other children's marbles. He said one day he won all of a boy's marbles and then Allan said the boy cried (in that high falsetto) :â€he took all my marbles, he took all my marblesâ€.  It sounded so funny when Allan used that high falsetto voice I just couldn't stop laughing.

Allan was so proud of his trees.  He said he planted a tree in his and Janet's yard each weekend for several weekends and then ran out of room to plant any more.
He always talked about his cypress tree and how beautiful and tall it was getting.  He talked about his oak     tree that had the disk swing for the children and how he would push the swing for them.  He also said he would chase the grandkids around in the yard and really enjoyed that as much as they did.
Allan told me he had blackberries and would get quite a few each year.  He relied on Janet to pick the berries, as he could not do it with his disability.

Allan told me many things about birds and how they migrated and what they liked to eat.  He was an avid bird watcherâ€”sitting at the kitchen table looking out the back window.  He was always concerned that the birds had plenty of water in the three birdbaths Janet kept filled.  In the winter, he was concerned that the heaters were kept plugged in so the birdbaths had warm water for the birds

Traveling, to Allan, seemed to be second nature.  I remember when He and Janet nominated me last year for regional caregiver of the year and I was to travel to Texas for the finals, he also wanted to go.  He said to Janet and me:  â€œIt's a done deal.  Janet and I are going too.â€  When I won the national caregiver, Allan proudly got to the stage where I was and walked up the steps with help and gave me a big hug  I think we both cried, we were so happy.

Many times we would play a game of Connect Four.  He was an expert at that game.  He taught me a lot about winning it and frequently even when he could have won, because I didn't make the right choice, he would say:  â€œWait a minute.  Are you sure you want to do that? â€œ  After I corrected my mistake I would usually win and he would say:  â€œI didn't notice that move.â€  

Allan loved his family dearly and told me about each one of them often.  He was so proud of his wife: Janet; his daughters: Crystal and Pam; and his grandchildren:  Liam, Pate, and Wiley.  They could do no wrong in his opinion and they were a great source of kindness and support for him through the years.

Been a friend and neighbor of Allan's for 20 years.  I remember so many things about him - his strong Christian faith, his fierce loyalty, his undying love for, and pride in, his family.  Allan loved to travel, (especially Alaska). He LOVED to go - even if it was just to Hy-V to get something we needed. I think of that ultra-loud whistle that would always bring our little dog, Rascal, home.
I remember how he would suddenly burst out in laughter at something he was thinking about. I always felt welcome at their door (and still do). I'm happy to have known him.

Alan Littlefield was a go-getter.  As I remember he was admired as one of the first, if not the first, to own a new car â€“ an upscale Mercury, if I'm not mistaken.  Alan drove it fast and sometimes scarily well.  He chauffeured a lot of his classmates from MTHS to Southern Illinois University on a daily basis.  Wearing the same kind of metal money changer that paperboys used, he was meticulous about collecting gas money before the commute to Carbondale began. I guess in his own way he played a key role in many of us getting a college education. Thanks, Alan.  Take care, drive slow and rest in peace up there.

Since we moved from Murphysboro after my freshman year, I can remember Allan only from junior high and our freshman year. He was a good baseball player and a good friend; he was a good man.

I met Allan at Antioch Bible Baptist Church.  He was in my Sunday school class.  Almost every Sunday I would ask Allan "how are you doing today" and he would always answer "I have no idea" and we would laugh. 

Veneta R. Ellis

Dear Janet
Don't where to begin; just thinking about him breaks me up. We knew each other since childhood, I knew all his family, and he only lived 2 blocks away.Allan was a boy that was always straight and thoughtful of others; in fact he was a good mentor to me because he always kept me doing the straight and narrow. He probably saved me from trouble many times. We worked in the orchards and had fun, used to work on our old cars and did spend a lot of time together. I miss him and know that he was an excellent husband and father. Maybe someday we will meet again.

Allan was one of the first guys in our high school class to bring a car to school.  I remember standing in front of the school each day as the Spruce Street Express pulled up and unloaded its passengers.  Allan picked up kids as he came down the street.  He was the central figure in many rabbit hunting ventures as he loaded many friends in his car.  He used his accounting skills to divine each persons fair share of the gas costs. Every five years for 50 years Allan came through the door of the MTHS class of 1959 reunion and picked up where he left off. He didn't make it this year but the rabbit hunters will some day hunt again. Go with God.

I have known Allan since before his accident.  Most of my time spent with Allan was after his accident.  In thinking about what I should say about Allan I find myself remembering some of the times we spent together.  We went squirrel hunting ( he shot a squirrel), shooting at the gun range, moved martin house (twice )went to ball games ( we always got the best parking spot) as well as numerous other projects. Being with Allan was a treat for me.  His enthusiasm for life and his love for his family was an inspiration to me. He was my friend and I was his. He touched my life and I am better for it. Janet and family I am so sorry for your loss.  He touched many and I thank GOD for my time with him. May God bless and keep you.

Drexel Noble

I join my good friends Virginia and Ken is mourning the loss of Allan.  He was a wonderful friend to all in the Class of 1959 at Murphysboro (IL) High School.  We will miss Allan at our 55th high school reunion, but we can celebrate his life with his wife, Janet, who will be joining us.

My first memories of Allan are that of being a office monitor in high school.  He was the guy who had something to say to everyone.  Of course memories increased as he married my dear friend Janet Pate.  They were (don't like to use that word - I prefer using ARE) a loving positive couple.  My kids always remember Allan's whistle, his cane and him teaching them how to use a yo-yo.  He  will be remembered and loved for many other things.  God Bless!  Janice Graff Fiorino

I lived a couple blocks from Allan's home, and remember with a chuckle, watching Allan drive an old car around and around in the vacant lot next to his house.  His head was just barely above the dash. The ground was worn in a perfect oval.  I guess he was enjoying it. Well, I know he was.

I've known Allan since junior high school in Murphysboro, IL.  I was in the same section with him for our 7th and 8th grades, followed by 4 years of high school.  So, I've known Allan for many years.  When I think of him, I just remember that he was such a nice, friendly person!  He absolutely loved attending our reunions. We are going to miss that smiling face next week when the MTHS Class of '59 has our 55th reunion.  Allan, we will miss you and we will always remember you!

Going to miss you my friend.  Always enjoyed having you in my class at church.  I always greeted you with "Allan you're awesome."  And you would always reply, "You're out of sight!!"  Always with a lot of enthusiasm and encouragement.  Will miss you brother.  Praying for your good wife Janet and your family.

My thoughts and prayers are with you all.  The Littlefield family has always been a special part of Old Pike.  We will miss seeing and visiting with Allan. God Bless

Crystal and Mark, 
We are deeply sadden to hear of your Father's passing. Always enjoyed hearing your stories about him at different events. We are praying for strength and peace during the very difficult days ahead. Much love,

Grateful that Mr Allan is no longer suffering, and am praying for peace and comfort for the entire family.

Crystal even though I never met your Dad I know he was a Very Special Man by the way you talked about him! I also know he must have been Very Proud of  You!   Our Dads will always hold a Very Special place in our hearts!  Love & Prayers - Sincerely, 
Chris Shults

 I enjoyed you during Pastor's Prayer time at ABBC. Your prayers were short and so very fast. We shared a lot back and forth over the years and you always brought a smile to my heart. I enjoyed you telling me how hummingbirds made the trip south to Central America over the gulf on the backs of larger, migrating birds. One of your favorite memories was watching the St Louis Arch being assembled and especially, the last piece being set. You said it was a perfect fit. You told me where you liked to stay when you went with Jan for her to run in the Chicago Marathon. You told me often how you didn't like the heat. I will miss you and life will not quite be the same without your presence. I will be looking for you when I cross the finish line and step from this earthly body. Love you, Al. You too, Jan. You are an inspiration to many of us.

Ken and Betsy Christeson
Gladstone, Missouri

Janet,  Allan was a delight to know when I helped with your remodel projects. It always brightened my day to see you both. I so admired your love and dedication to Allan. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Prayers with your family. Such a strong personality left this earth :) 
 Liz & Courtney Pittman

He will be missed. Uncle Allen always had a smile on his face and a warm hug for anyone that wanted it. God Bless you all

fly with the angels, uncle allan....may God wrap you in his loving arms...

Condolences and prayers for your entire family.  What a blessing to have your awesome dad with you all these years though.  What a legacy he is leaving!

Prayers for strength for this family.  Rejoicing with them that Allan is now with our Lord and Savior free of pain and enjoying eternal life.

OBITUARIO

Allan Douglas Littlefield

2 octubre, 1940 – 30 junio, 2014

Newcomer's White Chapel Funeral Home & White Chapel Cemetery

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