Thomas Patrick Little

Thomas Patrick Little, born January 11, 1943, a faithful son of the Catholic Church was born into eternal life on December 14, 2019. He pushed back on illness as long as he could in order to spend one last blessed year with his beloved family. Thom was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia Palmer; his father, Francis Little and his brother, Richard Little. Surviving are his wife of 52 years Susie; his children, Tommy (Jenni Weller), Jenny (Jeff) Hurst, and Jon (Audra Post); and his dog, Chrissy. Thom is also survived by 8 grandchildren who when they weren’t sneaking Grampa Lump’s Pepsi enjoyed dancing with him. Thom’s funeral will be officiated by Father Mike Alber at Saint Patrick Catholic Church in Portland, MI at 11:00 a.m. on December 21, 2019. Family will receive guests and a Rosary will be prayed in the church 20 minutes prior to Mass. A luncheon will be held immediately after at the Portland VFW. Over the last few years Thom studied genealogy; his ashes will be interred at a later date at St. Henry Cemetery in Rosebush, MI where Thom discovered many of his ancestors are buried. Some of his ashes will be taken to the U.P., the Vendee region of France, and in his own back yard where they lived for 46 years.

Thom knew early in his life with Susie that he wanted to be a family man. He moved his family to an old farmhouse. This home became a bountiful place where the children grew up with goats, dogs, cats, and even chickens who laid plaid eggs. He was a hardworking Ironworker who loved planning and building. He built a cottage in the U.P., grew gardens, and filled the yard with rare specimen trees. Thom had a Catholic mind that through the Holy Spirit saw God’s plan at work in the world. He loved children, attending daily mass, and cooking for the “grand army.” After feeding his children and their children he always made sure the dogs got some. Thom passed away at home in a loving and prayerful way with Susie at his side. 

Our family has been following the story of Peyton Dennis a little 5 year old in Ionia, MI who like Thom passed away from cancer and also took his first breath in heaven today. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. If you would like to make a donation please do so in honor of Peyton Dennis. This would make Thom happy. He often quoted the bible verse, “Your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Thank you. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.

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