Paul E. Little, 82, Chest Springs, died Monday at Miners Medical Center, Hastings. He was born in Cresson, son of the late Edward A. and Ella C. (Krise) Little. Survived by his wife of 61 years, the former Marie Strohmier, whom he married Sept. 18, 1947, in Chest Springs; children: Ken (Becky Batdorf), Fred (Dolly Diehl), Diane Goltz (Fred), Lou Ann Klemann (Earl "Op"), Francis "Frank" (Bub Hoover), Janie Diehl (Leon), Gloria Gailey (Jerry), Linda Freidhof (Bob) and Mary Ann Hoover (Marty); 20 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; a sister, Grace Farabaugh (Don); and a sister-in-law, Marge Arnone. He was preceded in death by an infant son, Joseph; five brothers: Roy A., Clifford, Robert, Daniel and Benny; and two sisters: Louise Shylo and Rita Weakland. He was a World War II Navy veteran and was awarded the Pacific Theater Ribbon. He worked for 441/2 years for Conrail in Conemaugh, Cherry Tree, Altoona and Cresson, and retired in 1988. He also had worked at Driskel Repair Shop, Chest Springs, as a school bus driver and at Hite's Potato Farm. Paul was an avid hunter and enjoyed going to Hite's cabin during hunting season. He was a life member of Chest Springs Sportsmen, and member of Loretto American Legion and was a member of the Holy Name Society and choir of St. Monica's Catholic Church, Chest Springs, where a memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, the Rev. Joseph Fleming as celebrant. Committal at St. Monica Cemetery. At the request of the deceased, there will be no viewing or visitation. Arrangements are by Gibbons Funeral Home, Ashville. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to St. Monica's Catholic Church in Paul's memory.

Altoona Mirror, Weds., January 21, 2009