In Memoriam: Paul Franklin Little II
Paul Franklin Little II, 44, a resident of Deming passed away Tuesday October 21, 2008 at Sierra Medical Center in El Paso, Texas following a battle with cancer.
Paul was born October 8, 1964 in Albuquerque to Richard Paul Little and Patsy Ann Reed. He graduated from Las Cruces High School in 1982 and went to get his Bachelor's degree from New Mexico State University in civil engineering. While he was in college he worked for the State Highway Department, and had a fulfilling career with NMDOT across the state. He served as the District Engineer in District 1 in Deming. There he was well loved and respected by his colleagues. In the midst of college, he served his country in the U. S. Army in Germany. He moved to Deming from Grants 10 years ago. He was employed by the Department of Transportation and was a member of the First Baptist Church.
Everyone who knew him couldn't help but be drawn to his smile, charm, gentle spirit, humor, wisdom, steadfastness and love for the Lord. God's creation was where he loved to spend his spare time. The Mimbres Valley brought him immeasurable joy. On Saturdays he would take his dogs for walks and enjoyed his newest dog, Chemo. Often he would take his bicycle out and ride, taking in the outdoors.
He touched a vast amount of lives in so many different ways; a friend to everyone. Always interested in self-improvement, he would read and learn how he could improve his leadership skills and that of others who were wise enough to listen to his insights. His children, nieces and nephews enjoyed his jovial spirit and his always-ready -to-laugh outlook. While he called himself shy, those of us who were privileged enough to know him would attest that people always felt better after being in his presence. He was honored to speak at the state NMDOT conference and churches about his battle with his illness, love for his family, and his unwavering passion for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Survivors include his wife Shari Ann Little, whom he called "my angel" ; 2 sons, Richard Paul Little II, 20, U. S. Navy in Japan and Robert Joel Little, 17, Deming; parents, Richard and Patsy Ann Little of Las Cruces; sister Christine and husband Doug Bolkema of Albuquerque as well as many cousins, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews and all his loving friends.
He is preceded in death by his younger brother Reed and grandparents Paul Franklin Little, Sr., Mildred Little, Mabel Story and Thomas Reed.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be made to the Paul F. Little Fund in care of the First Baptist Church, P. O. Box 328, Deming, NM 88031.