Myrl E. Littlejohn

Myrl E. Littlejohn, 88, of Oblong, IL, passed away April 17, 2022, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes, IN. He was born just south of Oblong on January 28, 1934, the son of Forest V. & Fern (Midgett) Littlejohn, both of whom preceded him in death. He married Donna Gayle Lawhead on July 28, 1954, and they enjoyed 61 years of marriage before her passing on September 8, 2015. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Jerry L. Littlejohn.

He is survived by his daughter & son-in-law, Cindy & Jack Jenkins (Oblong, IL); by his son & daughter-in-law, Randy & Jodi Littlejohn (Oblong, IL); by his grandsons, Jackson & Lyndsay Jenkins (Tallahassee, FL) and Landon & Tara Littlejohn (Robinson, IL); by his granddaughters, Lyndsey Littlejohn & Kirk Loughery (Oblong, IL) and LaDonna & Drew Aebischer (Savoy, IL); by his great-grandchildren, Raelyn, Reghan, and Reese Jenkins, Tenley, Thane, and Tate Littlejohn, and Will and Charlotte Aebischer; by his siblings, Nina Rodrick, Beulah Inboden, Larry & Mary Ann Littlejohn, Evea & Everett Miller, and Dale Davis; by several nieces and nephews; as well as his special friend, Maurine Hill.

Myrl grew up in a rural area south of Oblong and, as a young boy, walked to local country schools, where he was known to be something of a mischievous prankster! Saturday nights were the highlight of his week, as Myrl would go to town to grab the latest comic book and watch the westerns at the town show while enjoying a bag of popcorn.

Not long after graduating from Oblong High School in 1952, Myrl married Donna Lawhead, and they made their home in an apartment above Ma Burton's store in Oblong. Ma took the young couple under her wing and was a good friend to the Littlejohns. In 1959, he built their home on 601 N. Harrison Street with his own two hands. This should come as no surprise to anyone who knew him, as the man was incredibly self-sufficient and was well-versed in electrical, mechanical, and carpentry work (among many others).

His skillset led to a highly productive life. His career began at the General Carbon Plant before moving over to Marathon. Here, he worked in field production before transferring to the refinery, where he stayed for many years before retiring in 1986. Never one to let dust settle, Myrl busied himself with his small engine repair shop and seemed to always be working on a carpentry project of some kind. He also farmed for several years, a profession that allowed him to exercise many of his God-given skills.

These aptitudes were an asset to his community, as he oversaw the restoration and development of the Oblong Lake Project in 1997. His love for his community led him to become an Oblong Village Board member, and he even had the privilege to serve his friends and neighbors as mayor for a year! In addition to the Village Board, Myrl was also involved with the Oblong Jaycees and the Oblong City Lodge #644 and was a 60-year Master Mason. A Wabash Valley Coon Club member, his love of coon hunting was well-known to all who knew him, and he enjoyed sharing this passion with his son and grandsons. His grandkids would go camping with him as well, and these times were precious to their "Pa", as was Christmastime. His family always looked forward to the famous mouth-watering caramel corn he lovingly made for them every holiday season.

A lover of travel, he would often take his family on trips, making beautiful memories in the process. He and Donna traveled all over the region to dance or enjoy a country music or gospel show. He didn't just enjoy religious music; his life bore witness to his trust in Jesus. Though he attended Highland Church of Christ, the gentle kindness he put on display day-in and day-out was the overflow of a faith that has now been made sight.

It was evident that Myrl Littlejohn lived his life to the full. Even as his health deteriorated, he held onto hope and endured in the face of adversity. May we who are left behind recall his quiet tenacity of spirit with respect and admiration.

A time of visitation will be held from 9:00-11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 21st, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. Funeral services will immediately follow and be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, with Pastors Tim Hill and Shane Bopp officiating.

Burial will be in the Robinson New Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to either Oblong's "Christmas in the Park" or the Oblong Fire Department's "Christmas for Kids" program. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.