LITTLE, DONALD J.

HANOVER–Donald J. Little, 86, died at 10:25 a.m. Friday, December 28, 2007, at Plum Creek Health Care Center. He was the loving husband of Mary E. Lawrence Little for over 61 years. Born in Mt. Misery, Pa., on June 26, 1921, he was the son of the late Thomas Little and Alverta Strausbaugh Little. Wanting to serve his country during World War II, Mr. Little enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on July 1, 1942. Following basic training, he was chosen to serve with the elite 6th Division 4th Marine Raider Battalion under Brigadier General James Roosevelt. In February of 1943, his outfit shipped out to the South Pacific. For the next 36 months, Sergeant Little led his men with pride, honor, duty, and valor as they participated in the battles and campaigns for the Solomons, New Georgia, Guam, Okinawa, and the Army of Occupation of Japan. For his service, Sergeant Little earned two Purple Hearts for wounds received in battle, Asiatic-Pacific Medal with four bronze stars, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, and the Occupation Medal of Japan. He was discharged from the Marine Corps July 1, 1946. He had been a dedicated employee of Caterpillar Tractor Company for 30 years before retiring in 1984. Mr. Little was a member of St. Vincent dePaul Catholic Church in Hanover. He was also a member of the Amvets Post 22, the Marine Raider Association, VFW Post 2506, American Legion Post 14, McSherrystown Fish and Game, and the McSherrystown Home Association. He was an avid fan of the New York Yankees, loved to hunt, and enjoyed watching football games. But above all, he was devoted to his family. In addition to his wife, Mary, Mr. Little is survived by a son, Steve Little and wife, Stevie of Hanover; and a daughter, JoAnn Plechaty and husband, Dr. George of Honolulu, Hawaii. He was a special grandfather to Leslie Little-Staples, Jonathon and Joshua Plechaty, and Cory Zatkos. Also surviving are a brother, Robert Little of Hanover; and two great-grandsons, Coby Little and Brady Staples, Jr. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Richard Little and Fred Weaver; and a sister, Marie Reese. A prayer service will be held at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, January 2, 2008, at Panebaker Funeral Home, 311 Broadway, Hanover, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Vincent dePaul Catholic Church, 220 Third St., Hanover. A viewing will be Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home with the recitation of the rosary at 8 p.m. Burial will be in St. Vincent’s Catholic Cemetery where full military honors will be provided by the Allied Veterans Honor Guard. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be sent to St. Vincent dePaul Catholic Church, 220 Third St., Hanover, PA 17331.