Author Dr. Larry W. Sheffield Leaves Local Legacy by Melissa Lawson - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

◄ NOVEMBER ►
S M T W T F S
01 02 03 04 05 06 07
08 09 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30 01 02 03 04 05
View Events
Submit Events
directory

Author Dr. Larry W. Sheffield Leaves Local Legacy

By Melissa Lawson , Community Writer
February 9, 2017 at 11:38am. Views: 345

COLTON>> Dr. Larry W. Sheffield, 77, Colton resident, local historian, lecturer, author of numerous articles and two books on local history, titled "Images of America: Colton," and "David Colton: Namesake of Colton, California," died peacefully Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017 with family by his side near Sacramento. A native of Utah, Sheffield served in the United States Army and graduated from the University of Utah, earning a Bachelor of Science degree and a teaching certificate in history in 1963. In 1970, he graduated Phi Beta Kappa earning his master’s degree in social work. In 1981, he earned his Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the California Graduate Institute. Sheffield’s life and career involved service to others and sharing his passion for learning. He was a high school history teacher and a social worker in his native Utah. After moving to California in the early 1970s with his family, he worked for Inland Counties Regional Center until 1993 helping the developmentally disabled, the accused and incarcerated. He later served as Interim Director of Social Work at Loma Linda (La Sierra) University. An avid reader of historical biographies, Sheffield became involved in local history by joining the San Bernardino Historical Society. He wrote articles for the Society’s publication, “The Odyssey.” He also joined the Colton Area Museum Association where he continued to engage in independent historical research and write articles about local history for the Colton City News and the San Bernardino County Sun. His first book chronicled the story of Colton’s namesake, David Douty Colton. In 2004, while president of the Colton Area Museum Association, Sheffield authored a second book about Colton’s history for Arcadia Publishing’s “Images of America” series. Serving on the board of the Colton Area Museum Association, he forged many treasured friendships that endured for the rest of his life. Sheffield especially enjoyed spirited discussions about history and politics among friends. He was an intellectual with a broad appreciation of diversity, the arts and culture. Survivors include his daughters Melissa Lawson (Michael) of Fair Oaks, CA; Sara Sheffield of Upland, two grandchildren Lauren Pitman of Eastvale and Jacob Pitman of Sacramento; a sister, Carolyn Willard of Dallas, TX. Sheffield’s Celebration of Life will be Thursday, Feb. 16 at Hermosa Gardens Cemetery in the Mission Chapel in Colton at 2:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to Colton Area Museum Association and Historical Society (c/o Mike Murphy, president) P.O. Box 1648, Colton, CA 92324.

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of: Grand Terrace Woman's Club

By Hattie Strong, Community Writer

November 13, 2026 at 04:48pm. Views: 337

Join the celebration on Sunday, November 15, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Richard Rollins Community Park. Come play, have fun, win prizes and help celebrate 48 years of Grand Terrace!

Photo Courtesy of: BBOP Center

By Justus Baker-Postell, Community Writer

November 11, 2026 at 08:19am. Views: 759

BBOP Information Session The Black and Brown Opportunities for Profit (BBOP) Center, an Inland Empire economic and workforce development hub and a project of Time for Change Foundation, has launched Pathways to Prosperity, its Employment Training Pathway Program (ETPP), a comprehensive workforce initiative designed to connect residents facing barriers to employment with the skills, credentials, hands-on experience and employer relationships needed to enter and advance in high-demand careers.

Photo Courtesy of: San Bernardino's California Theatre from 1930

By Amanda Spencer, Community Writer

November 11, 2026 at 08:19am. Views: 533

Nearly a century after opening its doors, the downtown landmark remains an important connection between the city's entertainment history and its cultural future. In downtown San Bernardino, the California Theatre of the Performing Arts stands as a reminder of a time when attending a movie or live performance was one of the most anticipated social occasions in a growing Southern California city.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

November 11, 2026 at 08:19am. Views: 500

With winter approaching, emergency officials are coordinating flood prevention, roadway maintenance and public alerts to help residents prepare for dangerous weather. A heavy rainstorm can change the landscape of San Bernardino in a matter of hours. Streets that ordinarily carry commuters and school buses can become difficult to navigate, drainage channels can fill rapidly, and neighborhoods near foothills may face increased risks from flooding and debris.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

November 11, 2026 at 08:19am. Views: 486

A sweeping decision involving California's most serious criminal sentences has drawn strong opposition from San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson, placing the county's chief prosecutor at the center of a statewide debate over justice, victims' rights and executive authority.

Photo Courtesy of: West Valley Water District

By Socorro Pantaleon, Community Writer

November 11, 2026 at 08:14am. Views: 381

Group photos of WVWD Board Members and winning students of the 2026 Poster Contest

Photo Courtesy of: CalKIDS

By Justus Baker-Postell, Community Writer

November 11, 2026 at 08:13am. Views: 635

During National Scholarship Month, families are encouraged to check their eligibility for scholarships supporting college and career training.

Photo Courtesy of: Khouri Evans-Dangerfield

By Mike Hoover. President, Inland Empire Civil War Round Table, Community Writer

November 11, 2026 at 08:18am. Views: 395

University of Redlands student Khouri Evans-Dangerfield will examine slavery, constitutional law and the decisions that divided a nation during a free November 15 presentation at A.K. Smiley Public Library.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

November 11, 2026 at 08:18am. Views: 398

November 11 screening of acclaimed film “All We Imagine as Light” invites students and community members to experience international cinema and discussion. Films can transport audiences to places they have never visited, introduce them to unfamiliar experiences and encourage them to consider how people in different parts of the world navigate relationships, work and personal challenges.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Willam Cortez, Community Writer

November 11, 2026 at 08:18am. Views: 390

A decision announced in Sacramento could change the sentences of hundreds of California prisoners, bringing renewed attention to the death penalty and the future of criminal punishment across the state. Governor Gavin Newsom announced November 5 that he intends to commute the death sentences of all 548 people currently sentenced to death in California.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

November 11, 2026 at 08:18am. Views: 477

November 21 event at Olive Avenue Market will introduce residents to drought-tolerant landscaping, city rebates and the benefits of native plants. A beautiful garden does not have to depend on a large lawn or plants that require frequent watering.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

November 11, 2026 at 08:17am. Views: 323

A school announcement can contain information that changes a family's entire afternoon. A reminder about an upcoming meeting, a schedule adjustment or a message from a teacher may determine when a parent leaves work, arranges transportation or helps a child prepare for the next school day.

--> -->