A Lasting Legacy

It was a Labor Day weekend like many others before it. Family gatherings, barbecues, working in the yard and relaxing were the order of the day. And on this Saturday in 1999, it included dinner and a movie for John and Kay Littlefield. But, when they returned home that evening, nothing about the rest of that weekend would be ordinary for the Littlefield family.

The Littlefields heard the words that every parent fears. The words that every parent prays they will never hear. The path they hope they will never have to travel. On that Sept. 3, 1999, tragedy struck, and the Littlefields received the call that would forever change their lives, their family’s lives and ultimately Missouri Baptist University.

“This is the Missouri Highway patrol. Please call us when you get this message. It’s about your daughter and son-in-law.” Matt and Amy (Littlefield) Hamel and their 17-month-old son, Seth, had been involved in a tragic accident on their way to a family reunion at Matt’s parents’ home in Stockton, Mo. The two had died immediately when their car crossed the median into the oncoming lanes and collided with another vehicle. Their son, Seth, succumbed to his injuries a few days later. On Sept. 9, 1999, a day when Amy had planned to throw a party in honor of 9/9/99, her parents were instead burying their beloved daughter, son-in-law and grandson.

Matt Hamel and Amy Littlefield met when he transferred from Southwest Baptist College and she transferred from Southeast Missouri State University to Missouri Baptist College in the fall of 1987. He was majoring in religion and planned to go into the ministry, and she was majoring

in elementary education. The two graduated together in the spring of 1989 and were married in September of that same year. Hearing and following the Lord’s call into pastoral ministry, in the spring of 1990 Matt and Amy left for Mid-America Seminary in Memphis where Matt studied for his Master of Divinity degree.  

While living in Memphis, Matt was ordained to the ministry, and Amy taught at the Christian School at their church. In 1997, Matt was called to pastor the First Baptist Church Van Buren.  In 1999, they moved back to St. Louis so Matt could minister at a church in St. Louis. Amy was working as a teacher for Sylvan Learning Center.

When tragedies like this happen, loved ones are left with numerous choices about what to do with their grief. They can continue to live in their grief and forever ask the question: “Why?” They can tamp it down and try to ignore it. Or, they can make a lasting memorial and touch the lives of others in a positive, life-changing manner.

The latter is exactly what John and Kay Littlefield chose to do.

In 2009, with a generous gift to Missouri Baptist University, the Littlefields established a scholarship fund in loving memory of Matt and Amy. Their gift will provide scholarship assistance to students studying to go into the ministry or education fields. In 2010, the first scholarship was awarded to an education student at MBU. When the Littlefields heard about the recipient and the difference their gift had made in her educational pursuits, John said, “It inspired us to make sure this scholarship continues to grow. This has been an absolutely rewarding experience. We wish we had done it much sooner. We are so glad we made this lasting connection with MBU.”

When asked how they chose MBU as the  recipient of their gift, John said:  “It was for us, a tremendous privilege to give this sustaining money to the University because of its character and influence in the community. Both Matt and Amy had such affection for the school.”

John and Kay have a strong history with MBU, as well. When their pastor, Frank Kellogg, shared the vision for a Christian, liberal arts college in St. Louis, the Littlefields helped raise the initial money by going door to door to other church members to solicit funds. The Littlefields were present at the first groundbreaking on the MBU campus back in 1961. The Littlefields intend to continue to make contributions to the scholarship so they can impact students’ lives in perpetuity. They were instrumental in

providing funding to build the school, and they will continue to be instrumental in providing funding for students to attend the school.

“While the amount seems small right now, I was recently reminded how even a small amount can make such a big difference,” Kay said. “There is a scene in the movie ‘The Help’ where one woman asks another for $75 to assist her in sending both of her sons to college. If she were to be unable to secure the $75, she would have to make the choice to send only one of the sons to college. When I saw that scene, I was encouraged because I realized that every little bit does help. And, I wanted to help.”

Along with their other two children, four grandchildren and one great grandchild, the Littlefields have turned a tragedy into a loving memorial that will continue to provide opportunities for students at MBU just like Matt and Amy.

“If you want as great a feeling of making a difference as we received, you should make a gift and start a scholarship,” said John.