Donald W. "Bill" Littlejohn, 89, of Colusa, California, passed away Sunday, Nov. 28, 2010 from complications due to a systemic infection. Bill was born in Colusa, CA on June 2, 1921, the son of Elmer and Theresa Littlejohn. He spent his early childhood in the area before moving to San Francisco in his teenage years, graduating from St. Ignatius High School. Bill enlisted in the armed services in June of 1942 and was honorably discharged as a Captain in November of 1945. A fighter pilot, he flew P-38 and P-39 aircraft during WWII, serving in California, England and finally in North Africa in the 92nd Fighter Squadron, 88th Fighter Group. Flying over 80 combat missions, he also survived a ship collision aboard the Queen Mary, a train wreck in England, and being interned after a forced landing in Portugal. After returning from the war, Bill attended the University of San Francisco Law School, graduating Cum Laude and entered the legal profession on June 14, 1949. Returning to Colusa, he entered into the practice of law with Neil Cooney, Esq. After several years in private practice, Bill was elected the District Attorney of Colusa County, and served in that capacity for 6 years. He also served as County Counsel for Colusa County. In March of 1960, Bill and attorney Florence Westfall formed the law partnership of Littlejohn & Westfall in Colusa. Bill and Florence were married in 1961, and operated the law firm continuously until her death in 2004. During this time he became certified as a criminal law specialist. Bill continued to practice law until his death under the name of Littlejohn & Westfall, being active in the profession for over 60 years. Bill also served as a member of the Executive Committee and as a member of the Disciplinary Board of the State Bar of California. His passion for the law was legendary, inspiring many in the legal community, and was pleased that 3 former associates of the firm became Judges in the area. He also contributed to the community, serving as a longstanding Colusa Unified School District Trustee, as well as Foreman of the Colusa County Grand Jury. He is survived by his beloved and loving wife Charlene Scroggins Littlejohn [41291]; his son William Littlejohn and his wife Leslie Littlejohn of Burlingame, CA; his half brother Jim Littlejohn of Denver, CO; his adopted children, Donald Littlejohn and Lisa Marshall; and his step-sons, David C. Scroggins [41292] and Drew A. Scroggins [41289, FB] of Colusa. Public viewing will be Monday, December 6th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the McNary-Moore Funeral Home, located at 107 5th Street, Colusa, CA, with a rosary recitation at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 7th at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church located at 4th and Oak Streets in Colusa. A reception will follow at the Granzella's banquet hall in Williams, CA, located at 457 7th Street. Private interment services will be held on December 8th at East Lawn Memorial Park in Sacramento. Send Condolences at www.appealdemocrat.com
Published in Appeal Democrat on December 3, 2010
LITTLEJOHN, Donald W. ''Bill''
Age 89, of Colusa, California, passed away Sunday, Nov. 28, 2010 from complications due to a systemic infection.
Bill was born in Colusa, Ca. on June 2, 1921, the son of Elmer and Theresa Littlejohn. He spent his early childhood in the area before moving to San Francisco in his teenage years, graduating from St. Ignatius High School.
Bill enlisted in the armed services in June of 1942 and was honorably discharged as a Captain in November of 1945. A fighter pilot, he flew P-38 and P-39 aircraft during WWII, serving in California, England and finally in North Africa in the 92nd Fighter Squadron, 88th Fighter Group. Flying over 80 combat missions, he also survived a ship collision aboard the Queen Mary, a train wreck in England, and being interned after a forced landing in Portugal.
After returning from the war, Bill attended the University of San Francisco Law School, graduating Cum Laude and entered the legal profession on June 14, 1949.
Returning to Colusa, he entered into the practice of law with Neil Cooney, Esq. After several years in private practice, Bill was elected the District Attorney of Colusa County, and served in that capacity for 6 years. He also served as County Counsel for Colusa County. In March of 1960, Bill and attorney Florence Westfall formed the law partnership of Littlejohn & Westfall in Colusa. Bill and Florence were married in 1961, and operated the law firm continuously until her death in 2004. During this time he became certified as a criminal law specialist. Bill continued to practice law until his death under the name of Littlejohn & Westfall, being active in the profession for over 60 years. Bill also served as a member of the Executive Committee and as a member of the Disciplinary Board of the State Bar of California.His passion for the law was legendary, inspiring many in the legal community, and was pleased that 3 former associates of the firm became Judges in the area. He also contributed to the community, serving as a longstanding Colusa Unified School District Trustee, as well as Foreman of the Colusa County Grand Jury.
He is survived by his beloved and loving wife Charlene Scroggins Littlejohn; his son William Littlejohn; and his wife Leslie Littlejohn of Burlingame, Ca.; his half brother Jim Littlejohn of Denver, Co.; his adopted children Donald Littlejohn and Lisa Marshall; and his stepsons David C. Scroggins and Drew A. Scroggins of Colusa.
Public viewing will be December 6 from 5pm to 8pm at the McNary-Moore Funeral Home, located at 107 5th Street, Colusa, Ca. with a rosary recitation at 7pm.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 7 at 11am at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church located at 4th and Oak Streets in Colusa. A reception will follow at the Granzella's banquet hall in Williams, Ca., located at 457 7th Street.
Private interment services will be held on December 8 at East Lawn Memorial Park in Sacramento.
Published in The Sacramento Bee on December 3, 2010
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