Brian E Little, age 54, of Wann, OK passed from this life surrounded by family and departed for his heavenly home on December 15, 2023. Brian was born December 30, 1968, to Ronda and Ramon Little of Dewey, OK. He was the youngest of two children.
In 1974, Brian moved with his family to Wann, OK. He was a 1987 graduate of Wann High School and attended NEO in Miami, OK before transferring to and graduating from Oklahoma State University in 1990. After college graduation, Brian took a job with IBP in Garden City, KS, but Brian wanted much more than just a 9 to 5 job. So, in 1993 he moved back to Wann where he founded Little Auction Service and started what was to become a large cattle operation.
Brian married Nikki Forrest of Copan, OK in 2003 and they made their home in Wann. With Nikki’s help and support, he was able to realize a lifelong dream. Brian’s love of auctioneering and the cattle industry developed at a very young age when he began to accompany his father, Ramon, to livestock auctions. He longed to one day own a sale barn of his own.
In 2004, Brian and Nikki, along with partners Jimmy and Shelia King, purchased the Coffeyville Stockyards, and the Coffeyville Livestock Market was born. With their wives at their sides, Brian and Jimmy took a floundering sale barn and turned it into one of the premier livestock markets in the area. Brian was active in both the auctioneering and cattle industries and often competed in the World Livestock Auctioneering Championships. It was here that he made some of his dearest friends. He was well-known and much respected throughout both industries and became a mentor to many young auctioneers and cattlemen.
Brian was also heavily involved in the activities in his community as well as surrounding communities. He would often donate his time and money to assist others. He was readily available for advice to anyone looking for a little help. He was most proud of his daughters, Sage and McKenna, and their accomplishments. He adored his grandchildren and doted on them daily.
In 2022, Brian and his partners sold the Coffeyville Livestock Market, and Brian and Nikki returned home to run the cattle operations with the help of long-time ranch hand and friend Todd Tatum while running Little Auction Service.
Brian is survived by his wife, Nikki, daughters McKenna Little of Coffeyville, KS, and Sage and Garrett Bell of Nowata, OK, three grandchildren, Madden, Hattie, and Merritt Bell, his mother Ronda Little, his brother Keith Little and wife Felicia, brother-in-law Chris Forrest and wife Candise, niece Leah Chupp and her Husband John, nephews Bryce Little, and wife Emily, and Austin and Bree Butler, several great nephews and nieces, and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his father Ramon, and both his fraternal and maternal grandparents.
Instead of flowers, the family asks that you make memorial donations to Oklahoma Union FFA Route 1 Box 377-7 South Coffeyville, OK 74072 or Copan FFA PO Box 429 Copan OK 74022, or Hopestone Cancer Support Center at 206 SE Frank Phillips Blvd. Bartlesville OK 74003.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Brian Eugene Little please visit the Stumpff Funeral Home of Bartlesville Sympathy Store.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, December 23rd at the Copan School Gym.
