Ed Little

Marion Edward (Ed) Little, age 83, of Temple died Monday, May 11, 2009 in a local nursing center. A graveside service with military honors will be held at 3:00 PM Thursday, May 14, at Preskitt Cemetery near Decatur with Rev. Jakie Shirley officiating. Visitation will be 5:00 - 6:30 PM Wednesday, at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home. Mr. Little was born on June 23, 1925 in Childress to Alexander and Blanche (Hall) Little. He was reared and educated in Wise County. He was a veteran of the U. S. Army in World War II where he served his country in combat. He married Anna Lee Dunn in 1948 at which time they moved to Muleshoe where they developed an extensive farm and ranching operation. The Little's pioneered catfish farming on the high plains of Texas and were one of the first contract corn producers for the corn chip food industry. After their move to Temple in the mid 1970's the Little's developed a pecan orchard on their farm southeast of town where they lived until his death. Their move to Temple was based, in part, on the availability of health care for veterans here. He was a longtime member of Immanuel Baptist Church in Temple. Mr. Little was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Greg Little formerly of Denver, Colorado, one brother, Junior and a sister, Joy both formerly of Decatur. Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Ann Little of Temple, a son, Gary Little and wife, Mary of Seneca, Missouri, a daughter-in-law, Barbara Little of Denver, two granddaughters, Christi of Denver and Alexandra of Seneca and two step grandsons, Curt McClain of Denver and Ryan Adamson of Carl Junction, Missouri. He was also survived by two sisters, Marie Rawle of Chico and Rose Sain of Muleshoe and a brother, Walter B. Little of Muleshoe. The family wishes to thank the staff of the V. A. Medical Center, VistaCare and Care Age in Temple for their care of Mr. Little over the last years of his life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to VistaCare Foundation in Temple.