It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Leslie L. Little, age 94, on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Saint Joseph Medical Center in Joliet, Illinois.

Leslie was born on August 28, 1932, in Hammond, IN, to Herman and Nettie Little. As a teenager, he met the love of his life, Claralee Davidsmeier, at the movie theater where he worked in Beardstown, IL. He proudly served his country during the Korean War as a member of Battery C, 9th Field Artillery Battalion. Among his duties was transporting senior officers, a responsibility he carried out with dedication and pride. In recognition of his service and contributions, he was awarded the Bronze Star Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. A week after Leslie returned from serving in the Korean War, he married Claralee on November 7, 1954. The couple settled in Joliet, where they raised their family.

Leslie was a devoted and loving father to his daughters, Cindy and Pam. He made sure their lives were filled with love, laughter, and beautiful memories. He proudly dedicated more than 40 years to Material Services, where he worked as a Riverboat Pilot until retiring in 1996. He was known as Grandpa or Popeye to everyone who knew him. He guaranteed everyone got their full days' worth of candy by keeping a consistent stash in his coat pockets. Leslie always enjoyed trying his luck, whether on trips to Las Vegas, at local casinos, or, most of all, at Mickey's One Stop. Over the years, Mickey's became a favorite gathering place where he shared countless laughs, made lasting friendships, celebrated lottery winnings, and created memories that will be cherished for years to come. More than anything, Leslie cherished spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. From hosting pool parties and helping them learn to drive to making his special holiday date nut bread, he was always there for the people he loved. He also treasured Friday night dinners in Morris with his sister, brother-in-law, and niece, Sally, Frank, and Lori Barber, where he enjoyed good food, great company, and time together with family. Leslie was known for having more pep in his step than most men his age. Even at 94, he remained active, independent, and full of life. True to his personality, he could still be found behind the wheel of his cherry-red Ford Flex giving a friendly wave to all of his neighbors right up until the end of his life.

Survived by his loving daughter and partner in crime, Pam (Juan) Calderon; son-in-law, Doug Kuban; grandchildren, Tim Schubert, Natalie (Rob) Humann, Andy (Angela) Kuban, Kaylee (Chris) Miller, Monica Calderon, and Blake (Bailey) Calderon; great-grandchildren, Christopher and Brody Schubert, Emma Hoffman, Tyler, Morgan, Maxwel, Zander, and Maggie Humann, Jonathan and Cyrus Kuban, Hank and Eli Miller, and Chase Calderon; sister, Sally (Frank) Barber; sister-in-law, Lula Little; numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Leslie was preceded in death by his best friend and beloved wife, Claralee; his cherished daughter, Cindy; parents, Herman and Nettie Little; siblings, George, Martha, Herman Jr. (Helene), Charles (Wilma), and Jack Little; in-laws, Edward and Emma Davidsmeier; sisters-in-law, Velma, Marcella, Berdella, Frieda Davidsmeier, Mary (Marty) Pond, and Joann (Richard) McGill; and brothers-in-law, Norman (Georgia), Johnny (Pat), and Jimmy Davidsmeier.

Leslie touched countless lives with his love, warmth, and generous spirit, leaving behind memories that will be cherished forever.

Funeral Service for Leslie will be held at Farkas Funeral Home, 3201 W. Jefferson St. Joliet, IL 60431 on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 12:00 pm. Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until time of services. Interment will be held at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery at 2:00 pm.