Feb 7, 1947 — Aug 17, 2026
Lenexa, Kansas
Sam Little, 79, of Lenexa, Kansas passed away on August 17th, 2026.
Born February 7th, 1947 in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, Sam answered the call to serve his country in 1964 at the age of 17, enlisting in the Marine Corps. He served 4 years including 2 tours in Vietnam. He earned the Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Medal, 2 Vietnam Service Medals and was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant in 1968.
After his service, Sam held many different jobs before finding his calling to help others by becoming a police officer with the Shawnee, Kansas police department. Sam was very proud to serve his community for 20 years, retiring in 2004.
Sam was a loving, kindhearted man who genuinely cared about the people around him. He loved to travel, ride motorcycles, and experience new places, and his travels often had one important consideration: finding the best restaurants along the way. Sam enjoyed good food, good conversation, and the adventure of discovering somewhere new, but above all else, he treasured time spent with his family. Whether gathered around the table, sharing stories, traveling together, or simply enjoying one another’s company, his family was at the center of his life. Sam’s desire to help others was also a defining part of who he was and one of the reasons he found such fulfillment in his career as a police officer. He had a genuine compassion for others and took pride in serving and protecting his community. Those who knew Sam will remember his warm heart, generous spirit, love of adventure, and, most of all, the love he had for his family.
Sam is survived by his wife, Randi; his sons, James and David (Kathrine); his grandchildren, Nick (Kaitlyn), Audrey, Nathan, Mason (Lauralei), and Emily; his brother Kent (Terri); and his first wife, Trudy. He was preceded in death by his second wife, Eldona, who passed way in 2014, and his brother, Wayne, who passed way in 1982.
A celebration of life will be held on September 4th, 3pm-5pm at Johnson County Funeral Chapel, 11200 Metcalf Ave. Overland Park, Ks. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to the Abdallah Shrine or Disabled American Veterans.
Obituary published by Johnson County Funeral Chapel & Memorial Gardens.
