Words escape me as I have just learned of Steve's passing. It appears that he has been gone for some time now, but a google search of his name was my first knowledge. I pray that his lovely wife Karla and his beautiful daughters are doing well. I baby sat for his oldest and worked with Steve while at Purdue. We reconnected occasionally but it had been years since we had talked. My heart aches that our friendship drifted apart and that now I will never again see him or his lovely family. God Bless you all, and until we meet in heaven I will fondly remember "Big" for his laughter and his heart.

James & Georgia, you have wonderful memories of Steve and I know he remains in your hearts.  God bless you both and the entire Little family!

I met Steve at Iowa State where I was a student athletic trainer. Steve was a not only a great Cyclone, but a great man.  He was a class act and represented the Little name well.

Thank you everyone for all of your kind words about my father. Words cannot adequately express how much he is missed. I think about him all of the time and it has been very hard. My dad and I were very close and I miss our daily chats and his silly and fun personality. While I would do anything to have more time with my dad, I know he is in a better place now and no longer in pain. I still talk to him and pray for him. My dad taught me so much, but most of all to be a good person. He was so proud of all of us and he always let us know how much he loved us. I feel so blessed to have countless good memories of my dad, he was always there for us. I miss him so much. He is the greatest dad.

Steve's passing has been difficult for all of us. We all prayed for a miracle but that was not to be, but we all know that God has his own plan. Steve accomplished so much while he was here, living many of his 52 years happy, healthy and so full of life and energy. Those are the memories I have collected over the past 30 years that I choose to keep close. Most enduring was Steve's everlasting love for his family. I have so many fond memories of Steve, like our shared love of cooking and fine food but the last conversation that we had was a much more philosophical one. It was about the things that he was most proud of. That conversation was all about his four beautiful and accomplished girls. 

Steve was an amazing, fun and loving person that loved to give, especially advice. I thank Steve for being part of our lives and enriching all of us. I know that today Steve is in a much better place still looking over his family. I know that it will be him leading the way for them. Our angel in heaven. I miss so much about Steve, his calls and texts, always starting off with "Sister in law", but he is on to bigger things in his afterlife. Steve was more than my Brother in law, Steve was my friend and I miss him.

Thank you all for the beautiful and heartfelt  expressions of love  for Steven Douglas Liitle. Steven has been with The Lord one month ago on Friday. He was such a great father- he so loved our girls!  What a blessing   Steven was also a wonderful and supportive husband, brother, son, and friend. We all miss him.  So thank you for supporting us through our grief.

To my family and my friends let us all praise and thank God for letting us love and enjoy our beloved Steve for 52 years on this earth, and I thank Him for the 9 months I carried him right under my heart, loving him from the moment of conception until God allowed me to be with him and watch as He ushered his soul back to be with Him, what a blessed privilege!my child said " he was not afraid to meet Jesus" because he was at peace  and he left us with no struggle  
as long as I live my heart will always miss him, Steve was a wonderful man, son,husband and wonderful father to his awesome daughters (so much love) and a good brother to his brothers and a good friend to all of his friends, his father and I was always blessed with his love and devotion for us,we loved him so much but God said he had suffered enough and call 
him from his labor here on earth to his heavenly reward.
With undying love!! We love and miss you son!     Mom and  Dad

Steve my beloved brother,I pray for your soul and your family daily.My heart has been so heavy but to know and hear you confess the Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit helps me deal with the sadness.I love you baby bro! R.I.P. your spirit has risen with Christ.-'That's My Baby Bro.!" by James "JIMMY" Little for my beloved brother S.D.L.-- When Mom and Dad brought home their newborn,I said"that's my baby bro.!" Watching you take your first steps,trying dart down the driveway,I said "that's my baby bro.!" Teaching you to play sports and watching you truly excell,I said "that's my baby bro.!" Whether coaching in college or the NFL I said "that's my baby bro.!" Even seeing you last month with your awesome daughters ,I said "that's my baby bro." On this dawning of the first morning of my life without you available to say hi to; as you've transitioned to be in the arms of the LORD, I say "that's my baby bro.!"  Love forever Baby Bro.! Jimmy James

I attended Hines School with Steve.
My prayers are with you.  What a great guy even back then.

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Sending prayers to Steve's family. I attended grade school with him at Hines in Peoria. I remember what a great laugh he had.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Steve's family. In the short time we knew Steve from RIC he had become family. You will be missed.

My heart is truly sadden! Steve Little was an inspirational and supportive family member who always had a kind word to say. I could not ask for a better brother in law. Our lives will always be held together with the joy of happy memories that will live forever! Gone but NEVER forgotten! Peace be with us all as we remember your legacy another rainbow in the cloud!

I just remember Steve as a friend to all during our years at Woodruff High School.  Big guy, big smile, big heart. My sympathy to you, his family and friends today.

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

He was my best friend and I will dearly miss him.

We lost a great Man,Friend,Son,Brother and Father who will be missed dearly.God said there will be no more pain or suffering, so he called Steven Little Home. My prayers go out to Mr and Mrs Little, Bryan Little and Family. Charlene, Edward Sidener and Best Friend and Warrior Teamate Gus Cleary. Warrior For Life

Stevie brought alot of happiness to all of us at Hines Grade School.  He had a tough act to follow in athletics because James and Brian had done so well before him. Mr. Richards and I both knew he would someday be a champion - turns out also a great husband and father.

We are so sorry to hear of your loss.  Our prayers are with your family and loved ones.  Many blessings,
The Copeland Crew

2 Corinthians 5:8 to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.  AMEN!!

Carla, my deepest sympathy for you and your family.

Our prayers to the Little family on the loss of Steve.  His accomplishments both on and off the field speak for themselves. I had the privilege of coaching Steve in high school.  Thanks for the memories Steve # 73.  May the angels lead you into paradise and the Lord comfort your family.   Mike Bresko

Ours prayers and condolences to the Little family on the loss of Steve.  His accomplishments both on and off the field speak for themselves.  I had the privilege of coaching Steve in high school.  Thanks for memories Steve # 73. May the angels lead you into paradise and may the Lord comfort your family in their loss.   Mike Bresko

I have many fond memories of Coach Little and our time at TIU.  Our hearts are heavy and full of sympathy at your loss.  ~ JoKasta & Steve

Carla and Family
My deepest sympathy on the loss of your husband.  May the Dear Lord keep you and your family in his care.  Thoughts and  prayers to you.  God Bless
Barb Hohlt, St. Clair County Health Dept.

Met Steve in high school! Steve was a great guy.Prayers for the family!

I would like to light this candle for you

To the entire Little family, know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We all have fond memories of Stevie (Big)Little. Memories we will all hold dear to our hearts. He was a giant as well as a gentle lamb. Mrs. Little (Georgia) the song we talked about is in my heart, mind, and soul and I'm singing it for you. May God's grace and strength be with all of you. We love you.
The Williams - Kenneth, Ruby, Steve, Kay Williams-Alexander, Angela Williams-Johnson

I met Steve in the fall of 1987 after student-teaching/coaching at Richwoods HS, and my wife knew him from First Baptist Church. Working for him at Livingwell Fitness Center showed me what a fine person and athlete Steve Little was.  I always held him in high regard and thought he would accomplish great things.  And he did.  Condolences to his family.

Remembering the fun times on Embert St.I am so sorry for your loss. Keeping the family held up in prayer.

Family, my prayers are with you as you suffer in the loss of your loved one Steve.  It's not easy saying good-bye but joy does come in the morning. Praying for you in the midnight hour.

I am deeply saddened by the passing of Stevie "Big" as we used to call him.  I can recall the many many evenings we (meaning the friends from the Heights and the rest of us on Paris and Embert Pl) would sit outside and talk until way after the street lights came on.  I will never forget that when I moved to the Heights, Stevie was on of the friends I met.  My heart goes out to Mrs. Little (Georgia) as I know what it feels like to lose a child.  My heart goes out to all of you.  
...Paris Avenue

God Bless you in these sad times! Good man!!!

Good Man, Great Family. GOD Bless all of you.

I am saddened by the news of Steven's passing, may the blessings of our Lord Jesus Christ comfort you in you time of bereavement.

Mr.Mrs.James Little &entire Family You are in my Thoughts and prayers

Jame& Georgia Little and entire Family. You are in my Thoughts and prayers

My heart is saddened, to the little family you have my deepest sympath I will forever remember his smile and laughter as a kid. RIP Steve

Brian and Family,  I am very sorry to hear of your loss. Although I never met Steven he sounds like an amazing man with a wonderful family and great talent. These are always such difficult times and I pray for each one of you. May he rest in peace.
Sincerely Karen Michalski

To The Little Family,
I was saddened to hear of your loss, and I am praying for you all to have peace and strength at this time.  You have my deepest sympathies

Sending prayers to the Little family. There was either Brian or Steve in my house on embert st everyday while I was growning up. RIP my friend

Words cannot convey the sadness I feel in losing a childhood friend.  As kids, we played together, I can remember the "Wiffle" ball games we had.  We'd come to each others house to play electric football games. We went through grade and high school together, and played sports together, well, he did most of the playing, I just watched.  I knew he would be successful in life for he always had the determination, drive, and heart to make it in whatever he did. Steve had a love for people. If you were his friend, you would always be his friend.  With us all growing up in the same neighborhood, which includes "The Heights", we are all like family.  To lose someone from the neighborhood is just like losing a family member. My humble and loving thoughts and prayers to your wife, children, and family at this difficult time. May your soul find restful peace with God today and forever more my friend. God bless you....Dennis L. Wilson and the Wilson/March family.

God bless, I wish the best for your family.

Dear James and Georgia,
I was saddened to hear of this great loss and have special memories of Steve over the years in Peoria.  My deepest sympathy to you and all of the family.
Sincerely, 
Isiah Smith, Jr.l

Sending prayers to the Little family. Big Steve set an example for us underclassmen on and off the field at Woodruff High. I'm encouraged to read of his accomplishments knowing the days as a Warrior when he shared words his words were sincere...it shows he lived what he shared, but it's a sad moment for the family. My heartfelt sympathy to the family I pray God comfort you and bring you peace! R.I.P fellow Warrior!

Dear Georgia and James, Bernie and I send our sincerest condolences to you and your family. We will keep all of you in our prayers.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Little Family.

My condolences to the entire Little Family. May the Good LORD Bless all of You

The Hawley's sends their deepest sympathy to the little family... We went to school with Steve and George and Hank Hawley played football with him at woodruff .... He will be missed ! Our Prayers to the entire Family... Go Warriors

Steve aka Spoonman was an awesome guy.  My locker was right next to Steve's at Iowa State we shared some good times and had a lot of fun.  Great guy all around !  God be with Steve and all his family.
Roger Youngblut

It is with great sadness that I learned of the death of Steve. I had known him from playing football at Iowa State. I remember him as a gentleman who was a class act both on and off the field. I wish to extend my heartfelt sympathy. 

My thoughts and prayers are with the Little family. Coach Big, you will be missed but never forgotten, Thanks for being more than my Coach. 
Dino

My Condolences to The Little family, You are in my prayers,                Kimberly Jordan

RIP Steve. You were a good player but above all a great person. Once a Cyclone always a Cyclone.

Dear Georgia,Jimmy,Carla,Kristen,Kelsey,
Keralynn,Kamille
Our hearts are heavy with the loss of "Stevey".He was one of our BEST and My Personal Friend. His accomplishments made all of us Proud.My memories of his athletic abilities was unmatched.(Our fishing trips were great and so much enjoyed!)We had great respect for each other and it was great to hear him call me"Coach Q. Georgia and Jim - your support was the best any coach could ask for. As Grandma Georgia once told me,"Stevey&Carla have the most Beautiful Girls!" On behalf of all those from our Prized "Woodruff Wrestling Program" and the Querciagrossa Family God Bless The Little Family(Steven Little will always be a part of our Lives!)

We are sadden to hear of your loss of Steven and offer sincere condolences. May you find the peace that the God of all comfort provide during this most difficult time.

I work at Woodland School and send my sincere sympathies to the Little Family.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Little family. May God bless and keep you.

My prayers are with cousin Georgia and James and the family. I'm so glad I was able to spend time with him earlier this month. But nothing never prepares you for someone's passing.  May you be at peace, no more suffering and pain.   Love you !

May God love and peace be with my family at this time.
God is good all the time and all the time God is God!!

If we could picture kindness.....we would see Steve's face. Prayers to this family.

It is always sad to hear of the passing of people in the neighbor one grew up in. Praying for the families and loved ones.

I was the football secretary when Steve was at Iowa State University.  We will truly miss his quiet presence in our midst.  The Cyclone football nation shares in your loss and want you to know that you are all in our prayers.  RIP our Cyclone brother!

To fulfill a promise.Peace to all the family.

We were best friends in High School, and I am saddened by his passing. I wish we had not lost touch in the years after HS. My condolences to the family.

He was my room mate on the road games at Iowa. State his freshman year my Jr year he was a good man

Henrietta and I are very sorry to hear of the passing of Steve.  Our prayers are with you.

The Costic family would like you to know that your family is in our prayers, today and in the days to come.  Find peace and comfort in knowing that God will strengthen you and give you peace and understanding during this most trying time, and He will restore your joy.  We will be praying for you.

Your family and friends at HIGHER DIMENSIONS PRAISE & WORSHIP CHURCH, were saddened when we heard of the passing of your Son, Steven.  We know that your hearts are saddened, and we encourage you to look unto God for strength and endurance.  His Word assures us that it is in our weakest moments, His Grace is sufficient.  Find comfort in knowing that others share in your sorrow and are praying for your family.  Be encouraged and know that not only will God "SEE" you through, but He will also "CARRY" you through.

RIP Steve,in the presence of the Lord Jesus.

Steve Little, the Giant in grade school but had the Heart of a Lion, courages and a true friend.
Mr. Floyd McGhee

My day was saddened when I read about the lose Steve. I coached at Richwoods,but went down to Woodruff to workout with Steve. He will be greatly missed. Coach Easter

To the Little Family, May OUR GOD be your comforter and guidance through your time of sorrow.I will keep each and everyone of you in my daily thoughts and prayers. May GOD continue to keep HIS loving arms around the family,and to let you know that WE ARE TRULY THE HEIGHTS FAMILY,and the all the streets,Boulevard,NewYork,Paris, Embert, and Wilson. Our Heights Brother GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN (R.I.P)STEVEN LITTLE)   From the McGhee Family,Constance McGhee Faulkner(Connie), Joyce McGhee McCoy-Kelley,Venessia McGhee, Harold McGhee and baby brother Floyd McGhee WE LOVE YOU Mr.&Mrs.Little,James Little and Brian Little.  STAY UPLIFTED AND POSITIVE, AND KNOW THAT GOD IS ALWAYS THERE!

My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Steve was a wonderful husband, father, brother and friend.  One of my earliest memories together was of an Easter Sunday with my mother chasing baby Steve to get dressed.  He laughed and laughed and just about made us all late.  That stubbornness and sense of humor stayed with Steve his entire life.  We had many good times together as children and adults.  I miss you brother.

Brian

Man this one really hurts. I admit that I am selfish because I lost a good friend. I know one knew him as husband, some knew him as father, some as brother, and to some he was known as son. I share in your lost. I knew him as far back as living on Paris street in Peoria, Il and we went to Hines Elementary together. He was a leader on and OFF the football field. He was an inspiration to those who aspired in athletics and to those of us who were not so gifted. I will miss his presence. The Lord has decided to bring him home to be with Him. I can not question that. May God bless all of his family and friends.

OBITUARY

Steven D. Little

27 October, 1961 – 25 June, 2014

Marsh Funeral Home

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