Donald Little, 73, of rural LaHarpe, Illinois, died at 8:05 p.m. Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at his home after a valiant battle with cancer.
Don was born August 18, 1953, in LaHarpe, Illinois, the son of Robert M. and Evaline M. Johnson Little. In 1975, he married Cindy Sheffler, and together they had three children: Bryant, Jessie, and Blaire. They later divorced. In 1995, he married Chris Killip-Jones and gained daughter Lexie Jones-Huffman.
Don farmed in the LaHarpe area all of his life. In addition to farming, he worked various jobs, including the TP&W Railroad in LaHarpe, LeHigh Lepold in Burlington, Jack’s Custom in LaHarpe, Chittenden & Eastman Company in Burlington, and lastly, he was employed as lead janitor and maintenance supervisor for the LaHarpe Community School District, where he especially enjoyed his time at the crosswalk. In retirement, Don stayed active, helping the Blythe family with their seed business in LaHarpe.
Don served on the Hancock County Board for 9 years, served as Secretary for the Hancock County Building Committee, and was a longtime member of Grace Bible Church in Dallas City, where he served as an Elder and Deacon at various times.
One of his greatest joys was watching his grandchildren participate in the activities they loved, whether cheering them on at sporting events or enjoying their band and choir concerts. He treasured these moments and took great pride in being present for the special things in their lives. Above all, he was a man of deep faith who loved others well, faithfully lifting them up in prayer and making sure they knew they were loved. His life was a reflection of his love for Jesus Christ, whom he honored each and every day. His faith was not simply something he believed, but something he lived.
Survivors include his wife, Chris Little of LaHarpe; three children: Bryant (Ritamarie) Little of Kirkland, WA, Jessie (Jessica) Little of Hamilton, IL, and Blaire (Will) Burke of Burlington, IA; one stepdaughter, Lexie Huffman of Hamilton, IL; 13 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and two sisters: Anna Marie Kugler of Bushnell, IL, and Ellen (Rich) Johannsen of Machesney Park, IL.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister: Roberta Childs.
The funeral service for Don will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe, with Pastor Joe Stewart and Pastor Rick Goettsche officiating. Burial will follow in LaHarpe Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services on Saturday at the funeral home.
Friends may pay their respects Friday, November 6th from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe. The family will not be present.
A memorial fund has been established for MDH Hospice.