Dr. Robert T. Littlejohn, an icon of Mizzou Orthopaedics and the TLRO, passed away in Lee’s Summit, MO on September 25 at the age of 84. Robert was born on February 13, 1935 near Higginsville, MO to Robert P. and Edna J. Littlejohn.
He grew up on the family farm, and despite contracting polio at the age of 19, which left him paralyzed in his right leg, went on to receive a bachelor's degree and a medical degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He married Marilyn Scott in 1961, and after completing his residency training in orthopedic surgery, entered private practice while settling in Prairie Village, KS. He enjoyed a long and fulfilling career in medicine, but never forgot his agricultural roots, spending most of his off days at the family farm. His strong work ethic and determination to accomplish goals were inspirational to family and friends. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Holly Davis. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Marilyn, son and daughter-in-law, Robert S. and Melissa Littlejohn, of Norman, OK, daughter and son-in-law, Christy and Matthew Mayo, of Leawood, KS, son-in-law, John Davis, of Olathe, KS, five grandchildren, and one great-grandson.
In 2013, Dr. Robert and Mrs. Marilyn Littlejohn received the Making a Difference Award in recognition of their support, encouragement, and inspiration provided to Mizzou Orthopaedics and the TLRO. Their generosity ensures the success of the Littlejohn Family Keynote Lecture at the annual Comparative Orthopaedics Day event where life-changing results of research carried out at Missouri Orthopaedic Institute (MOI) are presented. Memorial contributions made to the University of Missouri’s Cook Family Orthopaedic Research Endowment will be used to advance research at MOI targeting the diseases and disorders of the bones and joints that Dr. Littlejohn was so passionate about and spent his life’s work treating in patients.
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