David Alan Little, 82, formerly of Zanesville and Lima, passed away on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at 11:44 a.m., at Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Toledo.
On December 29, 1967, David married his wife of 50 years, Beverly R. (Mumford) Little, who proceeded him in death in 2018. David is survived by his son, Joshua Little (Wapakoneta) and his wife Amy (Stover) Little, and three grandchildren, Madeline, Gabriel, and Charlie. Additionally, he is survived by his brother Richard (Vickie) Little of Clarkston, Michigan, and their two sons’ families, and brother Bill Little (Jill Leffler) of Greenwood, South Carolina, and their three sons.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Kathryn E. (Blauvelt) Little, father Woodrow W. Little, brother-in-law John “Jack” Mumford and sister-in-law Laura Mumford.
David graduated from Bluffton High School in 1959, where he played basketball, baseball and tennis. He was part of the first Bluffton Pirate Northwest Conference Title basketball team in 1958. He furthered his tennis and basketball career at The College of Wooster, where he graduated in 1963 while playing on the college tennis and basketball teams. Both sports were coached by the “Dutchman” who had an early and lasting influence on Dave. He then taught and coached at Crooksville Schools in 1964 before proceeding to Georgetown Law School. He graduated in 1967 and was admitted to the Ohio Bar that same year.
David was a respected and admired jurist and could have practiced law almost anywhere, but chose to represent those who needed represented the most. His entire 50+ year legal career was spent in the public defender’s office. He was the Executive Director of Allen County Legal Aid for 40+ years. The office evolved over the years and he provided legal services to surrounding counties and at times most of northwest Ohio. He eventually moved to Muskingum County Legal Aid, before the office was closed and he retired in 2017.
He was a tireless advocate and troublemaker for civil rights, women’s rights, domestic violence victims, environmental causes and prisoner rights in the state of Ohio. His cases set precedent both locally and across the state and he argued cases in front of the Ohio Supreme Court. He was a part of or led many advocate groups in the region, lifting up the causes of those who didn’t have a voice. He was nominated to be the President of the Allen County NAACP. He also provided his legal expertise and guidance to many law students at Ohio Northern University, many of whom became judges or prestigious attorneys in their own right.
David was a long-time and suffering Cleveland Sports fan, Ohio State fanatic, and lover of classic and alternative rock. David was also an Eagle Scout.
Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 9, 2023 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Father Sean Wilson officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Wapakoneta. Family and friends may visit from 2:00-7:00 p.m. Wednesday at Schlosser Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Wapakoneta.
Memorial contributions can be made to Christ’s Table, Zanesville, or Bluffton University.
