Ralph Edward Littrell
May 15, 1924 - October 26, 2008
Ralph Edward Littrell
Ralph Edward Littrell left the physical plane and continued on his soul’s journey on October 26th, 2008. Born May 15th, 1924 in Raton, New Mexico, the eldest son of Ralph Riley Littrell and Harriet Mateel Raymond Littrell.
Ralph spent his early years in Terrero, New Mexico, a mining community at that time, in the beautiful Sangre de Christo Mountains of northern New Mexico. His family moved to Carlsbad, New Mexico when he was 15, where he resided until 1968. He moved to Utah in 1969.
Ralph spent his entire working years in the agricultural chemical industry in New Mexico, Illinois, and Utah. He retired in 1989 after 20 years with Great Salt Lake Minerals and Chemical Corporation, Ogden, Utah.
He was a veteran of World War II and the Korean War, having served with the 8th Army Air Force, flying 35 missions as navigator of B-17 bombers over Nazi-occupied Europe. He was recalled to active duty during the Korean War and served as general supply services officer in the Second Air Force.
He was a life member of the Carlsbad, New Mexico Lodge No. 1558 Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Ogden, Utah Aerie No. 2472, Ogden Utah and Post 9 of the American Legion. He was a life member of the 8th Air Force Historical Society, and the Utah Chapter of the 8th Air Force Society.
He held positions in many organizations during his lifetime, including those of president of the Southwestern Industrial Traffic League, vice-president of the Carlsbad, New Mexico chapter of the American Institute of Mining and Metallurgical Engineers, chairman of the Eddy County, New Mexico Young Republicans, and later chairman of the Republican Party in that same area, a director of the Ogden, Utah Transportation Club, and a director and vice-president of the Utah Chapter, 8th Air Force Historical Society.
He married his high school sweetheart, Dorothy Evelyn Whitlow on May 5, 1944. They had 34 years together. He is survived by his daughter, Molly George Littrell Prince (Lacee Harris) of Salt Lake City; his son, Paul Vincent Littrell (Sherrie), of Roy; three grandsons Chad (Julie) Champneys of West Haven, Shayne (Tracie) Champneys of West Haven, and Bryan (Jen) Littrell of South Weber; four great grandsons Saygen, Kohyn, and Rylen Champneys, Cache Littrell; two great granddaughters Brianna Champneys and Kelty Littrell; two brothers Donald W. Littrell of Portland, Oregon and John R. Littrell of Las Vegas, Nevada; and one sister Eleanor Atchison of Springfield, Oregon.
He is preceded in death by his sister Margaret “Bettye” Fears.
The family extends their sincere gratitude to Silverado Senior Living and Inspiration Hospice.
A celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, November 9th from 11:00am to 1:00pm at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City.
In Loving Memory
Dear Molly and family, Thank you for sharing your wonderful father with us. He always had a twinkle in his eye and I looked forward to seeing him each day. Please accept my condolences, and know he was well-loved (and will be fondly remembered) at Silverado.
Kema Hobbs
Cottonwood Heights, Ut
Molly and Lacy Just want to acknowledge all the time and commitment over the years to your father. I know he understands at this time your dedication. Know that your in our thoughts and prayers. Jerry Buie
Jerry Buie
Salt Lake City, UT
Dear Bryan and Jen: We express our deepest sympathy to you and your family at the passing of your grandfather Ralph. May your cherished memories bring you peace and comfort at this time and in the days ahead. Sincerely, State Representative Brad and Marsha Dee
State Representative Brad Dee
Washington Terrace, Ut
Our condolences for your loss. Growing up in Carlsbad, our parents knew each other well. I will let my father know of your dad's passing. Ralph Griffin
Ralph E. Griffin
Albuquerque, NM
Donald, Eleanor, Johnny and the rest of the Littrelll family. Please accept my condolences on the passing of Ralph. My parents and Ralph's were friends in Terrerro and Carlsbad. Johnny and I shared some adventures early in our schooling. I remember OK Rubber Welders in Carlsbad.
John Lacy
Placentia, Ca
I was very sad to learn of Ralph's passing. He was my boss at GSL for many years and was one of the most intelligent and fairest of anyone I have ever met. He alway knew what to do in a crisis and was always unruffled by them.
Diane Yorgason-Quinn
Gig Harbor, WA