Roll Call Tribute

Louis Edward "Lou" Little 

August 19, 1932 - February 18, 2024 

Louis Edward Little of Portland, Texas passed away at 91 years of age on February 18th, 2024.

He was born on August 19th, 1932, in Schulenburg, TX. He was born to the late Hubert and Louise Little. Lou attended Texas A&M University with a baseball scholarship in 1950, where he eventually earned a teaching degree in agriculture education. During the last year of school and the summer afterward he played semi-pro baseball in Refugio, Texas. This is where he met the love of his life Joyce Pitzer and married her in October of 1954. He was quoted saying, “Everyone has a dream, and professional baseball was mine until I woke up one day and decided to take on a little more responsibility in my life.”

Lou entered the Air Force Academy jet fighter school after he finished a season of semi-pro baseball. He received his wings just after the Korean Conflict in 1955, and subsequently flew in the Strategic Air Command refueling B47’s in flight. “I still think flying is the ultimate,” he said. “One of my biggest thrills was flying across the Atlantic Ocean when I was in the service.”

Following his tour of duty Lou returned to Texas A&M in 1957 to obtain a second undergraduate degree in petroleum engineering. He spent three more years at Texas A&M studying engineering and working part time as a flight instructor.

Upon graduating from Texas A&M, Lou went to work for Tenneco, Inc. in Hobbs, New Mexico, as a petroleum engineer. There he lived with his wife Joyce and his three children, Robin, Russell and Ronda. He was later transferred to Midland, Texas, and then Durango, Colorado, as a reservoir engineer for Tenneco. He then decided to return to South Texas. In 1966, he moved to Portland, TX and was hired as an engineer for TXO. He was named Vice President of Texas Oil and Gas in 1977. “I loved my work; it’s like a hobby to me,” he said. He continued to work in the oil and gas industry well into his 80’s.

Away from the office he engaged in other hobbies- for one, he loved agriculture and his ranch. He was still raising cattle until the day of his passing. He was also a huge sports enthusiast. He loved watching ball games whether on TV or watching his grandchildren and great grandchildren at their many sporting events. He was always their biggest fan.

Lou was a faithful member of the Portland Methodist Church since 1966.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Joyce, his brother Oran Little, his son Russell, and two grandchildren, Jennifer and Chad Schmidt.

He is survived by his two daughters, Robin Schubert and Ronda (Trey) Threadgill; and four grandchildren, Chance Schmidt, Candice (James) Wood, Clint (Mary) Threadgill, Brette (Hunter) Sorrells. Eight great grandchildren, Paxton and Porter Schmidt; Kash and Jett Wood; Tenley and Trace Threadgill and Steele and Slade Sorrells.

A visitation will be held Thursday, February 22nd, 2024, 5:30-7:30 PM at Winsteads' Funeral Home, Portland, Texas. The Celebration of life service will be Friday, February 23rd, 2024, 10:00 AM at the First United Methodist Church, Portland. Interment will immediately follow at the The Palms Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Portland.

Pallbearers: Trey Threadgill, James Wood, Chance Schmidt, Clint Threadgill, Hunter Sorrells and Kash Wood. Honorary Pallbearers: Lester Little, George Little, David Coover, Dan Pedrotti, Charlie Roe, Carroll (Blackie) Pitzer, Randy Bissell and Sebastian Wiedmann.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Winsteads’ Funeral Home. www.winsteadsfuneralhome.com