Lew Dwayne Little, a 72-year-old retired correctional officer, passed away suddenly Dec. 17, 2025, according to his family.
A celebration of his life will be held April 25, 2026, from noon to 3 p.m. at Florence Keller Park in Crescent City.
Little started his career with the department in 1982 as a correctional officer at Folsom State Prison. He then transferred to California State Prison-Sacramento.
In 1989, he transferred to Pelican Bay State Prison as part of the activation team. He remained at the institution until he retired in 2010 after 27 years with the department.
“During his retirement, he had the privilege to be home with his daughter, making her school lunch every day until she graduated from high school,” the Little family writes. “Lew went on numerous fishing trips, his favorite being the annual trip to Pyramid Lake for opening day. Lew had countless dinners with his children and grandchildren.”
He enjoyed camping, upgrading from a tent to a travel trailer.
“Lew collected antique coffee grinders, scales and Hot Wheels toy cars. He also loved going to antique steam engine shows during summer and spending time with his family. He is missed beyond measure,” the family writes.
Little is survived by his wife, eight children and 17 grandchildren.
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