Monday, December 02, 2019

Lew Little 1933 -2019

Lewis Auburn Little, or "Lew" Little, passed away on November 21, 2019. He was 86.

He was best known as the man who decided to launch many well-loved 20th century newspaper comic strips through United Features Syndicate or his own "Lew Little Syndicate." These features included "Wee Pals" by Morrie Turner, "Tumbleweeds" by Tom K. Ryan and "Garfield" by Jim Davis.

From his obituary:

"Little was born on September 1, 1933, the tenth child of strawberry farmer Christopher Columbus Little and Susie Eppler Little of Dayton, Arkansas. His father read the newspaper comics to him at age 6.

"He was educated at Los Angeles Valley College in San Fernando, California, where he started in the newspaper syndicate business. He was responsible for the syndication of dozens of comic strips and text features. He was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize in photojournalism and received other prestigious news awards. He worked as an executive at major newspapers including the Los Angeles Times and the San Diego Union. He worked as national news director for the Christian Science Monitor News Service. He taught college-level journalism. He served as a corporal in the Army Reserves.

"He was married to Marguerite Forrey, and then to Mary Moore Little, before finding his wife of 45 years, Mary Ellen Corbett, a fellow journalist who called him her 'Funnypaperman.'"

"Little is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen Corbett of Fort Collins, Colorado. He is preceded in death by his parents, nine siblings, and two children Edward Lewis and Devon Ann. He is survived by four sons and two daughters: Steve Little, Scott Little, Alan Little, Eric Miklas, Terri Roetker and Pamela Henry. He is survived by one grandson and eight grand-daughters: Mathew, Dina, Karla, Auburn, Melissa, Rose, Virginia, Kristen and Aislin.

"He was an enthusiastic restorer of old homes, and with Corbett moved a 10-ton Victorian mansion from the village center of Brandon, Vermont, to the edge of town. He loved dogs, particularly cocker spaniels. An early riser, he assured family members and friends that "Everything is in Divine Order."

"Memorial services will be held in San Diego, California, and Rutland, Vermont, at later dates.

"Family and friends may visit www.allnuttftcollins.com to share memories or leave a message of condolence for the family."

Related:

The Daily Cartoonist

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