Charles Little

We are sad to announce the passing of Lt. (ret. DFD) Charles W. Little of Derby, Kansas. Charlie died at the age of 64 on March 7th , 2023. Charlie passed away surrounded by his family, friends, and his brotherhood of firefighters, after an unexpected illness.

Visitation will be held on Monday, March 13th at the Smith Mortuary located at 1415 N. Rock Road Derby, Ks 67037. Visitation is 1-8 pm, with receiving friends and family from 5 to 8 pm. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, March 14th at the Woodlawn United Methodist Church 431 S. Woodlawn Blvd. Derby Ks, 67037 at 2 pm. Officiated by Rev. Ben Ray.

Charlie was preceded in death by his father Melvin Little, mother Ruby Little, daughter Libby Little, son Brian Little, 4 siblings Barbara, Janet, Vivian, Georgia, and grand-puppy Scrappy Little.

Charlie is survived by his wife of 33 years Dee Little, son Dustin Little, daughter Charli Little, daughter and son-in-law Allie and Matthew Alonzo, daughter and son-in-law Bekah and Cody Reser, grandchildren Kinley, Maddox, Brooks, Ruby, and Olive, 4 siblings Vicki, Deborah, Melinda, Robert and grand-puppies Gator and Pumpkin Little.

Charlie was a veteran firefighter of 37 years, EMT instructor for 30 years, and a State of Kansas EMT examiner for 15 years. In Charlie’s short time on this earth his passion for helping and serving others shined through and touched everyone

he met. His children describe him as their hero, not only because of his love and protection of them, but also as a public servant, he selflessly helped and protected everyone in society with unconditional compassion. Charlie considered his brother firefighters and EMS as a part of his immediate family with an unbreakable bond.

Charlie’s favorite saying was “No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care.” He lived by this code every day of his life. He got great enjoyment mentoring and teaching this way of life to his family, friends, younger

firefighters, and EMT students.

Charlie and Dee’s dream came to life in 2014 when they opened the “Little Firehouse Café” where Charlie could still be an active part of the community after firefighting no longer agreed with his body and he had to step away.

Charlie may no longer be with us physically, but knowing he lives on in the hearts of everyone he met, gives his wife and family great comfort.