Larry Joe Richards

August 18, 1940 - February 21, 2018

Larry Joe Richards, age 77, passed away early Wednesday, February 21, 2018. Larry was a 50+ year resident of the Highland/San Bernardino area. Larry was preceded in death by his daughter Dianna in May of 2016. He is survived by his wife, Precilla and his two sons, Larry and Robert. He will also be fondly remembered by his five grandchildren, three step grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. Larry was born August 18, 1940 to Robert and Irene Richards in Inglewood, California where he was raised with his seven siblings and graduated from Lennox High School in 1958. Larry served our country through the Air Force as a military policeman for 13 years. During his military career, he was deployed throughout the world. He was deployed to Vietnam being awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service. Larry ended his distinguished military career in 1970 at Norton Air Force Base in San Bernardino, California. After Larry’s military career, he joined the San Bernardino Police Department where he served the San Bernardino community for 27 years, retiring as a captain in 1997. He was distinguished with a Police Unit Citation while supervising the SWAT Team for their efforts in capturing the suspects in the Norco Bank robbery. He also received a Police Star for rescuing a woman that was attempting to jump from the 5th Street bridge. After retiring as a police office, Larry remained active within the East Highlands Ranch, serving as the Director of Community Service and later as a board member. Services will be held Thursday March 8, 2018 at Bobbitt Chapel at 10:00 am. This will be followed by Interment at Riverside National Cemetery at 12:30 pm with military honors. Reception to follow.