Ronald William Littleton

Ronald William Littleton, 68 years, 6 months, 20 days, passed on to his “retirement” suddenly and swiftly on Monday, May 2nd, 2011 approximately 5 miles southeast of the town of Maricopa on a road named Cowtown. As he sat in his assigned truck that day, filling out his last log, taking his last swig of Gatorade, he probably took a moment and looked out to the horizon and saw the green stand of alfalfa fields across the highway back-dropped against the absolutely crystal clear blue sky. The Lord granted his wish, he did not suffer.

Ron was a simple uncomplicated man. He was genuine and a peaceful unique person. He asked for nothing. He was happy with the basics. He loved life, and proved it time and time again with his undeniable laughter, sense of humor, the twinkle in his gray-blue eyes and the ever present cocky Alfred E. Neuman smile.

Ron was born to Claude R. and Vaun O. (Hyde) Littleton in Clarinda, Iowa, a very rural town in southeastern corner of the state, on Monday, October 12, 1942 at 4:45 am.

His next home would be another rural community known as Jerome, Idaho. There he would go to grade and high schools.

He enlisted in the Navy October 1959 and was released from service march 1966. Of that time he spent 3 years, 9 months and 18 days at sea. Never to return there not even on vacation..

Upon returning to Jerome, Idaho he entered the Idaho State Police and graduated February 1975.

In between high school, the Navy, and the Idaho State Police, he filled the time with his passion for the big rigs. He loved driving truck, and he was good at it, and he knew it. Over the years, he drove for Consolidated Freight, West End Trucking, Dunagan Trucking of Wilcox, Mallet and Sons Trucking of Blythe, and his final driving job was with Hickman’s Egg, in Buckeye.

He is survived by his wife and life friend, Marieluise (Mary) Loper, adoring granddaughters Mariana, Angie and Mia, that he proudly raised for the last six years. Grandson, Javie in Los Angeles, California and step-daughter Lisa Kingston, of Phoenix.

His sons, Robert, Stephen, and Ronnie all reside in the Phoenix area. A daughter Janeal resides out of state. A sister Opal Bailey, in Jackson, Idaho survives him. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.

Ron loved the rural lifestyle, he was laid back and so easy going. He was patient and kind, and truly loved every child. He gave his unconditional love yet guided with a firm hand.

For the past several years he was involved in a brotherhood with a western heritage, known as the Phoenix JC Comancheros. Their motto “We keep the kids in our sights at all times” is what Ron believed in and was fiercely passionate about. 2011 would have been his 16th year as a Pony Express Rider which is the major fund raising event for the Comancheros Children’s Charities.

He was respect and well loved by so many, we all have so many wonderful memories.

Arrangements are under the direction of Carr-Tenney Mortuary, Tempe, AZ.