Richard (Dick) James Little passed away Nov. 20, 2023, in St. George, Utah. Dick was born on Nov. 26, 1930, in Ogden, Utah, the son of Samuel Melvin and Edna Jane Little. He was raised by Richard (Derk) and Edna Kapp.
Dick was determined as a child to succeed in life. He loved baseball and was a top player on his high school baseball team. After graduating from high school, he served in the Air Force and was stationed in Japan.
After leaving the military, he played Summer League Baseball for the Medicine Hat Superiors of the Canadian-American Baseball League, as a player-manager and as noted in a July 15, 1959, newspaper sports page article, he had a record year. He was determined to get his college degree and enrolled at Utah State University, where he later graduated in June 1960 receiving his Bachelor of Science Degree. He majored in physical education and received a minor in history.
In 1968 he received a Master of Arts in Education from Northern Arizona University. He did take a few college courses at Arizona State University. He relocated to California and taught Sports Science at the high school level. He spent his summers as a professional baseball scout and enjoyed going to different areas and watching potential recruits.
After he retired, he returned to Utah, settling in St. George. He made sure he found a place on the edge of a golf course, where he enjoyed golfing with friends and family. He enjoyed visiting with friends and relatives and had many fun stories to tell. Dick never married.
He was cared for by Cris Kapp, a nephew and son of his brother Harold Kapp, the last several years of his life. He is survived by two sisters Betty Kapp Daulcan and Joan Kapp Anthony and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Richard (Derk) and Edna Kapp, four brothers Harold Kapp, Robert (Bob) Kapp, William (Bill) Kapp and Frank Kapp, and three sisters Janice Kapp Moreno, Elva Kapp and Georgia Kapp Brown.
A modest graveside service with military honors will be held at Washington Heights Cemetery in Ogden, Utah, on Saturday, Feb. 3, at noon.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the charity of your choice. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family online.