Gene Littleton

Newel "Gene" Littleton, 90, of Cape Girardeau died peacefully Monday, Jan. 16, 2012, at Ratliff Care Center, surrounded by family.

He was born April 24, 1921, at Neelys Landing, to Joseph and Lela McClard Littleton. He and Marjorie Menz were married June 19, 1943, at Scott City.

Gene retired in April 1984 as a supervisor with Lenco Inc. in Jackson after 29 years. He previously worked at Erlbacher Foundry 12 years, Florsheim Shoe Co. and both Ochs and Beggs orchards. He was a member of St. Mary's Cathedral.

Survivors include his wife, Marjorie Littleton; two daughters, Carole Arnzen (Steve, deceased) of Cape Girardeau, Sharon Freese (Larry) of Jackson; three sisters, Wanda Goodman (Dick, deceased) of Jackson, Yvetta Barnhart (Phillip) of Cape Girardeau, Peggy Kaufman (Bob) of McClure, Ill.; three grandchildren, Scott Arnzen (Colleen) and Nicole Arnzen of Cape Girardeau, Jacki Nettleton (Brian) of Wentzville, Mo.; three stepgrandchildren, Tara Freese Clifford (Brian) of Manhattan, N.Y., Kristi Freese Deneke (Derrick) of Columbia, Lindsey Freese Campbell (Colin) of Texas; six great-grandchildren, Aaron, Madeleine, Noah and Liam Arnzen, Kaitlyn and Dawson Nettleton; four great-stepgrandchildren, Cooper and Campbell Deneke and Ivy and Claira Campbell.

He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Dean, Bill and Herb Littleton, and infants Carl and Joseph Littleton; and a son-in-law, Steve Arnzen.

Friends may call from 9:30 a.m. to service time today at St. Mary's Cathedral.

Funeral Mass will be at 11:30 a.m. today at St. Mary's, with the Rev. Tom Kiefer officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the St. Mary's Building on Faith Fund, Notre Dame Regional High School or a charity of choice.

The family deeply appreciates the care that was given to Gene at Ratliff Care Center.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.