It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Charles (Charlie) E. Little, 89, of Terre Haute, Indiana. Charlie passed away peacefully on June 19, 2026, at his home of 62 years, under the caring supervision of Hospice of the Wabash Valley, aides from Private Care, and his loving family.

Charlie was born in Terre Haute on April 26, 1937, to Roy and Grace (Reynolds) Little, both from Vandalia, Illinois. He attended Honey Creek High School, where he played basketball, competed in hurdles and the high jump on the track team, and was an active member of the FFA and 4-H clubs. He graduated from Honey Creek in 1955 and then joined the U.S. Navy. In the Navy, Charlie served as an aviation electronics man in the air fleet. Ironically, he never set foot on a Navy ship, and he loved to tell stories of his time flying around Europe and North Africa. After an honorable discharge, Charlie returned home to Terre Haute, where he began his career as a lifelong member of the Sheet Metal Workers Local Union 7 (now Local 20). He started as an apprentice and met his wife, Patricia (Patty) Ann Hanley, in 1959. They were married on October 19, 1962, and had three children and six grandchildren. They celebrated 52 years of marriage before Patty preceded him in death in 2015.

Charlie was an avid hunter and fisherman for many years and loved to garden. He coached his sons in Biddy Basketball and took great joy in watching his children, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren participate in all sporting events. He cherished family parties, playing cards with friends, and traveling across the United States with Patty after they retired.

Charlie was preceded in death by his wife, Patty; his parents, Roy and Grace Little; his sister and brother-in-law, Mary Ann and Billy Jean (Bill) Couchman; his brother and sister-in-law, Robert (Bob) and Naoda Little; and his brothers-in-law, John (Nonnie) Hanley, Jr., and Charles (Chuck) Hanley.

He is survived by his sons, Brad (Tammy) Little and Paul (Cami) Little; his daughter, Sandy Marling (Tim); six grandchildren, Mandi (Lane) Hoover, Tyler (Adrian) Little, Hannah Little, Madison (Dawson) Houser, Lauren Marling, and Bryce Marling; and five great-grandchildren, Eli, Hank, Jolene, Darcy, and Mable Little. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Carolyn Hanley; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Mary Lou (Gary) Williams; 16 nieces and nephews; and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 26, 2026, at DeBaun Funeral Home from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. An additional hour of visitation will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at St. Benedict Catholic Church, 111 S. 9th St., Terre Haute, IN, starting at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow immediately at Calvary Cemetery, 4227 Wabash Avenue, Terre Haute, IN.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to any U.S. Armed Forces Veterans charity of your choice. The family also requests that all family and friends join them at The Sycamore Country Club, 200 Heritage Drive, Terre Haute, IN, immediately following the burial services for a celebration of life with food, beverages, and to share your fondest memories of Charlie.