Robert Joe Little

Robert “Joe” Little, 77, of Topeka, passed away Sunday, March 29, 2009 at St. Francis Medical Center emergency room.

Joe was born January 5, 1932 to Val L. and May (Hammond) Little on a farm outside of Crab Orchard, NE.  He was preceded in death by five of his seven siblings, sister Dortha Haney, brothers Darwin, Bill, Val D. and Don.  He is survived by a brother Mike Little of Crab Orchard, NE and sister Della Bartels of Beatrice, NE.

Joe married Elizabeth “Betty” Taylor on June 24, 1952 at Seneca.  She survives.

After careers in farming, bridge and road construction Joe and Betty moved their family to Topeka in 1965, and then created Joe Little General Contractors in August of 1966.  For the next 43 years Joe owned and operated his company, completed many a project and touched many lives along the way.

He had a passion for his work and also his family.

Survivors beside his wife include his children David Little and wife Brenda, Ronn Little, Rick Little, Denise Meyer and her husband Bob, Travis Whitt and Rick Plush all of Topeka, eight grandchildren, Joseph Little, Andrew Meyer, Joshua Meyer, Lucas Little, Sarah Little, Amy McGlinn, Carrie Little and Emily Little, two step grandchildren, Jason and Lance Nolte.  Eleven great grandchildren, Colin, Katlyn, Kiley, Nolan, Mason, Olivia, Natalie, Addison, Brooklyn, Alyssa and Makenna also survive.

Joe will lie in state after 2:00 p.m. Thursday at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home where a Daughters of Isabella rosary will be prayed at 5:30 p.m. followed by the family receiving friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.  Private funeral services will be held Friday with burial to follow in Westlawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association and sent in care of the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, 66603.

Online condolences to www.brennanmathenafh.com.