Robert Paul Little

11/4/1919-8/11/2012

Robert (Bob) Little was born on November 4, 1919 in Modesto, CA and passed away peacefully on August 11, 2012 in Merced, CA at the age of 92.

Robert attended Turlock schools and graduated from Turlock High where he played football and was known as “Tiny”. After graduation he joined the military and served during WWII. While in the military he flew in a B-25 which crash landed in Burma. While serving in the military he contacted Malaria but that didn’t send him home. He returned home after serving his full enlistment.

When he returned home he married Esther Benson of Modesto. They settled in Merced and he began his career as a salesman for Modesto Tobacco Company. He later opened his first store Little’s Variety on Carol Ave. and Highway 140 and then a second store on Highway 140. After closing his stores he worked for Thompson Diggs Hardware until retirement.

After he retired he enjoyed spending his time hunting and fishing, along with cheering on the 49ers and Giants. He never missed a game, even if it meant missing a meal. On Friday nights you could find him at the Elks Lodge where he was a member for 56 yrs. He also enjoyed spending time at the American Legion where he was a member for 53 yrs. Other organizations he was a member of where the Eagles, VFW in Winton, and Club Mercedes.

Robert was preceded in death by his wife, Esther; son, Jon Allen; parents, Rose and Paul Little; stepmother, Nora Little; stepfather, Warren “Brownie” Brown; and brother, Don.

He is survived by his son, Rick Little of Merced; daughter-in-law, Janice Brawley of Merced; grandson, Ricky (Sylvia) Little of Sacramento; granddaughter, Rachelle (Paul) Heppner of Turlock; and 5 great grandchildren, Seth, Ethan, and Christian Heppner of Turlock, and Adam and Sofia Little of Sacramento.

Services will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Be The Match Foundation, 3001 Broadway St. N.E. Suite 601, Minneapolis, MN 55413-1753.

Arrangements are under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home.