Theo “Rip” Littlejohn, Jr.

Graveside services for Theo “Rip” Littlejohn, Jr., 97, of Linden, Texas, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Linden Cemetery under the direction of Reeder-Davis Funeral Home in Linden. A time of visitation for family and friends will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Wednesday evening at the funeral home in Linden.

Theo “Rip” Littlejohn, Jr., passed away peacefully on May 16, 2026. He was born August 4, 1928, on the Littlejohn homeplace in Linden to Theo Littlejohn and Euliene Littlejohn where he spent most of his life, deeply rooted in the land and community he loved.

Rip proudly served his country in the United States Army in the Korean War. After returning home, he worked as a heavy equipment operator during the winter months while farming in the summers. Later, he worked for the highway department for 19 years operating heavy equipment before continuing another 19 years with Cass County Precinct 1. He believed in hard work and passed those values on to his children through both word and example.

He was known as a jokester with a quick wit and a strong personality. Rip could be tough when he needed to be, but those who knew him best also knew his caring heart and compassionate spirit. He was a man of faith who knew the Lord and lived his life with strength and conviction.

Rip enjoyed horses and spent many years riding and training them through the years. He almost always had cattle and took great pride in working the land and living the farming life he loved. He took pride in growing a large garden and taught his children the value of working the land. Together, the family sold produce from their garden throughout the community, creating memories and lessons that would last a lifetime.

Rip loved playing dominos and taught all of his boys how to play. He never missed an opportunity to share a game with family and friends. He later taught his caregivers to play as well and he looked forward to playing dominos with them nearly every day.

Rip loved his family deeply, especially his grandchildren, who brought him great joy through the years.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Pete, Toby, Ottis, and Oliver Littlejohn; sisters, Johnnie Marie Long, Lillie Stabeno, and Willie Mae Datry; the mother of his children, Shelby Littlejohn; and daughter-in-law, Jennifer Littlejohn.

He is survived by his children, Charles Littlejohn and wife Betty, Ray Littlejohn, Theo Littlejohn III, Barbara Odom and husband Robert D., and Robert G. Littlejohn; brother, Kenneth Earl Littlejohn; sisters, Alice Coleman and Linda Blizzard; grandchildren, Heath, Hope, Jason, Patrick, Dylan, Sallie, Jacob, and Kevin; 16 great-grandchildren; his devoted caregiver, Leesa Carter; special family friend, Shelby Whiteman; along with extended family, many dear friends, and wonderful neighbors who meant so much to him through the years.

The family would like to thank Elara Caring, Prime Care Hospice and Golden Villa Nursing Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Linden Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 863, Linden, TX 75563.