Daniel Leo Little, age 77, passed away peacefully at his home in Pipestem, WV, on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.

Born on January 24, 1949, in Aurora, Missouri, he was the son of the late Leo L. and Iris Ann Landers Little.

A dedicated dairy farmer, skilled craftsman, and adventurous spirit, Daniel leaves behind a beautiful legacy of hard work, creativity, and a deep love for his family.

Daniel grew up with a strong commitment to leadership and community, serving as a four-year FFA President during his high school years. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Sciences from Missouri State College, laying the foundation for a lifetime dedicated to agriculture and conservation.

Farming was a true calling for Daniel, who spent years working as a dairy farmer while living in Billings, Missouri. He later brought his agricultural expertise to West Virginia, working as a grassland technician for the Southern Soil Conservation District in Athens, WV and retiring from the Beckley office. A man of faith, he was a member of the James Chapel Methodist Church where he served as Sunday School Superintendent.

Daniel was a true renaissance man with a wide array of passions. He was an exceptionally skilled woodworker who took great pride in building custom furniture. He was an avid reader, an enthusiastic creator of homemade beer and wine, and a lifelong motorcycle enthusiast who once owned Pappy’s Cycles in Springfield, MO, and loved riding his Harley-Davidson. His adventurous spirit took him all over the globe, traveling to Mexico, Canada, Britain, and Australia, and he spent many happy moments scuba diving in the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean.

In addition to his parents, Dan was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Angie Little.

He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Kathleen "Kathy" Little; his sons, Brian Little and his wife Michelle of Billings, MO, John Carden and his wife Ashley of Springfield, MO, and Michael A. Willoughby of Springfield, MO; and his sister, Missy Maples and her husband Brent of Billings, MO. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Joseph James (Katelyn), Lillian Willoughby, and Liam Carden (Montana); and his three adored great-grandchildren, Miami, Zaire, and Lola Mae.

The family will receive friends at their home in Pipestem, WV on Saturday, July 11, 2026 from 12:00 pm until 4:00 pm to gather, share memories, and honor Dan's life. 

A memorial service will be held from 10:00 am until 11:00 am on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at the Free Will Methodist Church in Clever, MO. There will be a luncheon right after the service in the fellowship hall.  Interment will follow at the Wise Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Hope Haven of Missouri, 3842 S. Broadway Ave. Springfield, Missouri 65807. 417-493-8051.