ALBERT WAYNE LITTLE

How do you summarize a life in about 300 words, especially a life as well lived as my father’s? In the 94+ years that (Albert) Wayne Little lived, he consistently walked with integrity, diligence and friendliness. Born in a small white house in Oklahoma City to Allie (nee Turner) and Harvey Little on July 29, 1932, he played with and was protected by his two older brothers, Grady and Spec, and his sister Lucy. He learned about hard work early in life, starting at the local Safeway grocery store at age 12 and to his dying day, he could bag groceries with the best. After graduating from Northwest Classen High School, he joined the Air Force. One day while on leave, he and his cousin volunteered to run an errand to the Yukon Bank where a tiny brunette with bright, beautiful blue eyes caught his attention. Beverly (nee Perry) and Wayne were married June 14, 1952, and would go onto celebrate 66 years of (mostly) wedded bliss. After discharge from the Air Force, he started working for Southwestern Bell. He and Beverly welcomed two children, Christie in 1959 and Mark a year later in 1960. At nights, Wayne earned his BBA at the University of Tulsa and his MBA at Oklahoma City University. His smarts and his drive propelled him up the corporate ladder, each step up came with a new city and new adventures. When the government split AT&T, Wayne migrated to the new AT&T, landing in Chicago managing large accounts like United Airlines.

Wayne liked to hunt with his dog, Ike, and fish for walleye and pike in cold Canadian waters. Planning the annual Canada trips with Don Smith, John Runk and Bud Sever was almost as much fun as taking them. But Wayne’s true passion was flying. He loved his small Cessna and piloting it all over, from Kansas to Texas and many other stops. When it came time to retire, Wayne and Beverly headed back to Kansas City and built their dream home in Loch Lloyd. But for Wayne, retirement was anything but retiring. He worked as the village's sewer and water commissioner and served on the homes’ association board. He was the de facto village historian. Old friends like Jim Effertz became better friends and new friends like Bernie Abrams became old friends. My father was a good man who did good things. The world is a better richer place because he was here. He leaves 7 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren, along with Mark and Christie and her husband Bruce. Be at peace Daddy.

Service information will be provided as more information becomes available.

Arrangements: Cullen Funeral Home, Inc. Raymore, Missouri 816.332.5278