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David W. Little, 88, of Bloomington, died peacefully Saturday April 30, 2011 at IU Health Bloomington Hospital. He was born October 14, 1922, in Ft. Dodge, Iowa to Grover J. and Esther (Small) Little. The family moved to Naperville, Illinois, in 1929 and David resided there until his college years.

He earned the B.A. degree from Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, where he was a Rufus Choate Scholar and President of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. After early graduation, he joined the Navy in 1943, serving thirty-four months of active duty during WWII. He participated in six engagements in the Pacific Theater and as a Lt. was Executive Officer of the LCI gunboat #407 and Commanding Officer of the USS-LCI #764. He was recommended for the Silver Star for conduct at the Leyte Gulf operation.

Following his discharge from the Navy at the conclusion of WWII, he entered Northwestern University Law School and served as president of Phi Delta Phi law fraternity. He received the J.D. degree from Northwestern in 1949.

He married Phyllis Sturgeon of Sheridan, Wyoming in 1948. Upon successfully passing the bar examinations of Illinois, Minnesota and Wyoming, he was admitted to practice law in those states. Rather than beginning his career as a practicing lawyer, he chose to join West Publishing Company, the leading publisher of legal information. He served in sales for them until 1953 and than recognizing that it would be advantageous in his work to actually engage in the practice of law for a period of time, he moved to Sheridan, Wyoming (his wife’s hometown) to begin his own practice. During this period he served on the board of the American Red Cross, was County Chairman of the March of Dimes, Chairman of “All American Indian Days” and held the public office of U.S. Commissioner.

Realizing that his real potential was in sales, he resumed his affiliation with West Publishing Co. and moved to Bloomington, Indiana in 1955 assuming the position of Regional Sales Manager. In Bloomington, he was a member and Elder of First Presbyterian Church, member and President of the Central Lions Club, member of the Masonic Lodge and Order of the Shrine. He was also a member of the Indiana Bar, the Indianapolis Civil War Roundtable, and served on the board of the Boy Scouts of America. In 2000 he initiated and sponsored a Habitat House for Humanity in Bloomington, the first in the nation to be built by the Boy Scouts of America. Also in that year he was recipient of the Golden Rule Award in the Adult category for his forty year record of community volunteering in the Bloomington community. He received a Presidential Citation for grateful recognition of exceptional contributions to the profession of Law from the Indiana State Bar Association.

David’s particular hobby, one in which he had an overwhelming interest, was searching for and collecting American Indian artifacts. He had an extensive collection and this combined with quite diverse and unusual objects acquired during his world travels was displayed in his home office. This area came to resemble a museum rather than a working office. Friends who stopped by were always encouraged to see the latest additions.

David was largely unknown for his extensive philanthropy as he always asked that he be identified as an anonymous donor. However, he was well known by the various recipients since he made personal visits to each, requesting considerable information regarding their needs and how additional funds could meet them. This particular practice seemed somewhat unusual to most but proved to be quite effective.

Upon his retirement from West Publishing Co. he was recognized by lawyers and judges throughout Indiana with the highest regard. Former Indiana Governor Craig stated “West publishing Co. was extremely fortunate that you represented them”.

David had a habit of copying quotations that inspired him on small pieces of paper and tacking them to the wall above his desk. We would like to share several of them with you as they reveal his philosophy and the way he chose to live his life: “Do all the good you can, In all the ways you can, In all the places you can, At all the times you can, To all the people you can, As long as ever you can.” (John Wesley), “Don’t let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.” (John Wooden) and lastly “When it rains, look for the rainbow.”

David is survived by his wife Phyllis, daughter, Kristen Van Sickle (Mrs. John Van Sickle of Gainesville, Florida) son Peter Little of Indianapolis, Indiana, three grandchildren and one great grandson. 

He was preceded in death by his son, David William Little, Jr.

Memorial Services will be held on Friday June 17, 2011 at 2:00PM at the First Presbyterian Church of Bloomington with Reverends Andrew Kort and Rachel Pederson  officiating. Following the service there will be a reception at the church so that friends can visit with the family. 

Should friends wish to make a memorial contribution in honor of David the family would prefer that it be contributed to scholarships already established by the Little family at Ivy Tech, Bloomington, IN (contact John Zody, Executive Director of Resource Development at Ivy Tech at (812)330-6067) or at Sheridan College, Sheridan, Wyoming (contact Linda Lawrence, Director of Development Sheridan College Foundation at (307)674-6446 ext 4301).

Allen Funeral Home 4155 South Old Highway 37 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be sent to the family at www.allenfuneralhome.org.