Former Burns resident Glen Melvon “Mel” Little died of natural causes on Oct. 16 at his home in Ontario.

He was 78.

Little was born in Dixie, Wash., on July 24, 1931, the youngest of three brothers born to Matthew and Mamie B. Cox Little.

Little served briefly in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He was a Merchant Seaman until an accident at sea curtailed his sea-going career after a few short years. Little was also a member of the Sailor’s Union of the Pacific.
An extremely talented artisan, designer and builder, Little held patent rights on several of his structural designs. His blueprints were typically a vision in his mind — his talents spanned the gamut from building a house, to a steel race horse starting gate, and everything in between.

Little was an avid hunter and fisherman.  He loved animals, especially the thoroughbred race horses he bred, raised and trained.  He was always improving the numerous properties he owned over his lifetime — improving the value, appearance and functionality with his two hands, and was often assisted by his two sons and brother, John.

He was a Master Mason with a long-time membership with the Masonic Lodge.

Little is survived by his sons, Glen Little Jr. and his wife Grace and Matthew J. Little and his wife, Luretha; grandsons, Doug and Robert; granddaughters, Jessica and Aramenta; great-grandson, Alex; niece, Robin Little; and nephews, Chris, Robert and Mark.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mamie and Matthew; brothers, John and Leroy Little; and sister, Theresa Little.

Graveside services were held on Thursday, Oct. 22,   at Dixie Cemetery in Dixie, Wash., with the U.S. Navy and the Veterans of Foreign Wars providing military honors.

Contributions in Little’s memory may be made to the Masonic Children’s fund or any local veterans organization, through Mountain View-Colonial DeWitt, 1551 Dalles Military Road, Walla Walla, WA  99362.