Earl F. Little, 86 of Hanover passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. He was the beloved husband of Alice A. (Flynn) Little.

Born May 1, 1940 in New Windsor, MD, he was a son of the late James A. and Margaret L. (Bowers) Little.

Mr. Little is fondly remembered for his robust sense of humor, always having a joke at the ready. He shared his exceptional talent in carpentry, making rocking horses for each of his grandchildren, and installing kitchen counter tops for many relatives. He was also an avid duckpin bowler, and enjoyed many times at the lanes with family and friends.

In addition to his wife, Earl is survived by two daughters: Deborah L. Rickrode and husband Gary of Waterfall, PA and Tammy M. Lease and husband Dale of Spring Grove, PA; three stepchildren: Leatha A. Ketterman of Hanover, Phil Hockensmith and wife Akiko of Brighton, TN and Tony A. Hockensmith and wife Tanya of Gettysburg, PA, as well as 10 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two half-sisters, Mary and Reba; three brothers: Jim, Robert and Tom, and two sisters, Eloise and Nancy.

A funeral service to celebrate Earl’s life will be held on Friday, August 21st at 1pm at Wetzel Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc.; 549 Carlisle St. in Hanover with Earl’s nephew, Robert Little officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Littlestown. A time to share memories and an opportunity to view will also be on Friday at the funeral home from 12 noon until the start of the service.

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