 LITTLE, RONALD E. (RON) 1952-2013 age 60, a resident of Belen, passed away on Wednesday, June 12, 2013 from Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer, a rare, aggressive cancer diagnosed in March 2013. Ron was born in Seymour, Indiana and raised in Blue Island, IL, and at age 15 moved to Chamblee, GA. Ron graduated in 1970 from Sequoia High School, Doraville, GA and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1970 as a Security Policeman. He retired in 1994 after 24 years of honorable service recognized by the award of the Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Vietnam Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with device. After retiring from active duty Air Force service, Ron began his 19 year career as a manager with Lockheed Martin for the Aircrew Training and Rehearsal Support at the 58th Special Operations Wing, Kirtland AFB. Ron truly enjoyed his job and was extremely proud of the dedicated team of Site Support professionals he led as Chief of Security, Facilities, and Environmental Safety and Health. For his entire career with Lockheed, he continued in his nation's service by supporting the critical training of our country's special operations aircrews. Ron was the "Go To" person for any question concerning security or facilities. His always present smile and let's find a way to make it happen attitude was well known across the entire Kirtland AFB community for more than thirty years. Ron had a passion for classic rock music, all sports, especially football, an Alabama Crimson Tide fan since childhood and, his clocks. He always said "time was important." He also loved running and his hobby farm because he always had the need for "somethin2do." He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Grace Little; and his son, Jason Little. Ron is survived by his best friend and wife of 22 years, Theresa; daughter, Jennifer Little of Cedar City, UT; son, G.J. Mullins and Vanessa Aragon of Belen; daughter-in-law, Elyssa Baca of Belen; four granddaughters, Angeleea, Jaylee, and Andilee Bitner of Cedar City, UT, Haleigh Little of Belen; sisters, Jeanette Miller and husband, Jim of Conyers, GA and Trish Thurman and husband, Chris of Monticello, GA; uncle and aunt, Fred and Pat Little of Mesa, AZ; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many caring friends. With respect to Ron's wishes, no services will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 or Habitat for Humanity of New Mexico, P.O. Box 3307, Albuquerque, NM 87190. The family extends many thanks and appreciation for all the support provided to Ron by family, friends, current and former Lockheed Martin co-workers, especially Sharon, for her creation of Ron's web site, the Presbyterian Hospice Staff and his nurse Katy for her compassion and care for Ron. Sign Ron's online register book at www.romerofuneralhomenm.com Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St., Belen, NM.
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