Richard Allan Little

Richard Alan Little, 62, of Las Vegas, Nevada, passed away at Solari Hospice Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, Tuesday, June 2, 2015 following a period of declining health.

A son of Vernon Gene Little and Norma Jean (Riley) Little of New Philadelphia, Ohio, Rich was born on August 26, 1952 at Twin City Hospital in Dennison, Ohio. In between playing with his train sets and building blocks, his parents taught him skills he would use to get ahead for the rest of his life.

After graduating Indian Valley South High School, Rich moved to Phoenix, Arizona where he married Barbara (Lentz) Little, and, after a couple years, they moved to Las Vegas, NV and lived there nearly 40 years.

Rich was a man who could fix anything and would do anything to help others. His creative mind and intellect found solutions to problems that most people would never have considered. You won’t be able to meet anyone that Rich has known that doesn’t have a story about him going out of his way to help them or how his kindness impacted their life.

A devoted father, Rich gave his daughter the world and did everything in his power to see her smile. When she was little, he created and built the best backyard any kid could dream up. Far surpassing any other home playground, Rich’s creation had a stilt play house, a teeter totter, a trampoline, and a jungle gym. He patiently sat though his daughter’s homemade plays, dance, and musical productions, and always supported her dreams.

He was a hard worker who took pride in his work and never settled for anything less than perfection. He worked as an AC Mechanical Engineer and a Silk Screen Artist, and was well respected for his knowledge, skill, and accomplishments in both.

Anyone who knew Rich remembers seeing him drive down the road in his big yellow truck, a 1981 Chevrolet Scottsdale, which he owned for more than 30 years. Even though Rich was constantly working on his beloved vehicle, he refused every offer to purchase it, and there was at least two offers a week.

He was known for having the best lawn in the whole neighborhood, and all who passed by became envious of his neatly manicured yard. Las Vegas is a dessert, but somehow Rich’s lawn never had dry dead spots, it was perfect.

Everyone knew Rich could cook. It wasn’t uncommon for people to skip their own holiday meals to come dine on Rich’s dishes, including his signature deep fried turkey. He truly was a master of the grill and master of the kitchen.

He loved his pets, his two dogs Harry and Shiloh and his cat Calico. These animals were treated like royalty; they got top quality food and treats, daily walks and playtime, and tons of pets.

He had a deep love for adventure and enjoyed things that would go fast, but he was also a simple man who enjoyed the little things in life. Sitting outside and enjoying the quiet but bustling neighborhood, feeding treats to dogs as they passed by on their walks, and spending time with friends and family is what Rich enjoyed most. He kept in contact with his family and made sure everyone knew he loved them.

In addition to his parents, Rich leaves behind his daughter, Brandy Little of Las Vegas, Nevada, his former wife, Barbara (Lentz) Little, his cat Calico, and a multitude of close amazing friends.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, June 15, 2015, at 10:30 AM in West Lawn Cemetery at Newcomerstown.

Memorial contributions in Rich’s memory may be directed to Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada, 8990 Spanish Ridge Avenue, Suite 100, Las Vegas, NV 89148.

“When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a wonderful treasure to always hold in your heart.” – Unknown