Jesse Samuel Little

Jesse Samuel Little, Sr., M.D. was born in Oklahoma City to Aaron C. Little, M.D. and Margaret Edmondson Little on September 1, 1933 and died in his home on April 30th, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. He was the namesake of his Uncle Jesse, who was a “horse & buggy” doctor who had started practicing medicine in Indian Territory in 1903. Sam grew up in Minco, where his father practiced medicine for over 50 years. During WWII years, he spent time living on the family farm with his grandparents, while his father was a Navy physician in the South Pacific.

He graduated from Minco High School and attended the University of Oklahoma where he was a member of Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity. After three years of undergraduate studies, he was accepted into OU Medical School. During his third year, he was one of three members of the Class of 1959 selected for membership in Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society.

He interned at Hillcrest Hospital in Tulsa before being accepted into a residency program in radiology at City Hospital in St. Louis. After completing his residency, he practiced briefly in Oklahoma City before moving to Norman to become the first board certified radiologist in Cleveland County. He established Norman Radiology Services Inc. and served as President of the Cleveland-McClain County Medical Society. He was a Life Member of the Oklahoma State Medical Association.

Upon retirement, Sam traveled extensively visiting all seven continents. He was a Lifetime member of the Minco Historical Society. He enjoyed sailing, reading, and all kinds of music, ranging from Sousa to Mozart. In fact, he returned to playing the trumpet and enjoyed being a member of the Nichols Hills Band and the Oklahoma City Symphonic Band.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents, his stepmother Dell, his older brother A.C. and wife Marilyn, his sister Sarah Vann, his granddaughter Samantha Anne Conner and longtime friends David Martin and Dr. Duane Moore. He is survived by his daughter Katherine Little, M.D. and husband Scot Conner, his son J. Samuel Little Jr., M.D. and wife Michelle, loving companion and mother of his children Sue Shellabarger, and grandchildren Stephanie Little and partner Josh Thomas, Jessica Harraman and husband Preston Harraman, D.D.S. all of the Oklahoma City/Edmond area, and Madeline Little, New York City, Scot Conner, Jr., San Francisco, and Zachary Conner, Los Angeles. He is also survived by his younger brother Jack and wife Carmen, Granbury, Texas, and lifelong friend Lynn Hale, D.D.S., Dallas, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Private Family services were held Saturday, May 7, 2022.

The family wishes to thank all his caregivers, especially Dianne Davis, for the loving care given to “Dr. Sam” during his last year. If desired, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association, Alzheimer’s Association or Free to Live.

Arrangements are under the direction of Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper Funeral Directors.