Wesley Lavern Little, 79, of Columbia, South Carolina, formerly of New Baden, died Friday, February 1, 2008 at his home. He was born September 6, 1928 in Chase City, VA son of Charles Wesley and Ora (Rothel) Little. He married Elsie A. Schomaker on September 8, 1951 in New Baden and she preceded him in death on April 27, 1994.

Surviving are his daughters, Pamela Ann Hegger and Deborah T. Little, both of Columbia, SC; four grandchildren, Nichole Schroeder and husband Kurt of Tampa, FL, twins, Matthew Hegger and wife Nicole of Greenville, SC and Michael Hegger of Charleston, SC, and Wesley Ryan Kuder of Columbia, SC; and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Robert Schomaker of New Baden, Geraldine Schomaker of Chesterfield, MO, Daniel & Lois Schomaker of Belleville, Theresa Benson of Shiloh and Esther & Robert Riedel of Shiloh.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Michael Charles Little; and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Alan Benson, Mildred Schomaker, Bernard Schomaker, and Loretta & Edward Hodel.

Mr. Little was a veteran of the United States Air Force and was a member of the American Legion Post 321 in New Baden.

A funeral mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Friday, February 8, 2008 at St. George Catholic Church in New Baden with Rev. Eugene Neff officiating. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in New Baden.

Friends may call from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Thursday, February 7, 2008 and from 8 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. Friday, February 8, 2008 at Hempen Funeral Home in New Baden. There will be a prayer service at 4 p.m. and the American Legion will visit at 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Leukemia Research Foundation and will be received at the funeral home.