John H. Little

John H. Little, 94, of Flora, formerly of Du Quoin, passed away at 5:00 a.m. Friday, Jan. 30, 2015 at the Clay County Hospital in Flora, Ill.

John had been a letter carrier for the Du Quoin Post Office and retired in May of 1975 after working for 32 years. He graduated from Du Quoin Township High School, the Class of 1939. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Du Quoin. John enlisted in the United States Navy on Jan. 16, 1940. His highest rank was Boatmans Mate First Class. John served on the U.S.S. Pennsylvania, the ship he was on when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. He also served on vessels and stations U.S.S. SC 745, U.S.S. Viburnum (AN57). John was awarded the following ribbons for his service- American Defense, American Theater, Asiatic Pacific Theater and the Purple Heart.

He was born May 12, 1920 at Du Quoin, Ill., the son of Henry and Rose (Moye) Little.

He married Esther Clark on Sept. 13, 1940 at Perryville, Mo. and she preceded him in death on Dec. 7, 1970. To this union, they had a son and a daughter - John W. Little and Caroline A. Little. He then married Kathryn Emling on Feb. 5, 1971 and she preceded him in death in 2002. He then married Sadie Leake on Feb. 7, 2003 and she survives.

He is survived by his wife of Flora, one daughter - Caroline Bird (David) Cole of Lexington, Ill., one son - John W. (Millie) Little of Du Quoin, three step children - Joan (Ed) Coleman of Flora, Verda (Hugh) McNab of Florida and Marsha (Wayne) Baker of Florida, one sister - Delcie Wright of Ina, Ill., five grandchildren - John A. Little of Du Quoin, Amy Jo (Michael) Weis of Smithton, Ill., John Raymond Bird II of Lexington, Ill., Kevin (Karen) Bird of Lexington, Ill. and Dr. Steven (Anne Marie) Bird of Shrewsbury, Mass., five step grandchildren - Mark Coleman, Amy Beth (Carry) Herdes, Jim (Angie) Coleman, all of Flora, Treasure McNab and Angie Baker, both of Florida, several great grandchildren and several great great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two wives, one brother - George Little and two sisters - Lola Proctor and Delores Gilliam.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, Feb. 2, 2015 at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin with Rev. Ted Clark officiating.

Friends may call from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Monday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.

Burial will be in the Old Du Quoin Cemetery at Du Quoin.

Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Du Quoin V.F.W. and American Legion and the United States Navy.

Friends may make memorials to Parkinson's Disease Foundation and will be accepted at the funeral home.

For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.