Leslie H. Pence


Leslie H. Pence

October 7, 1933 – January 3, 2011

Les was born in Allen, Oklahoma to Othar and Clara Pence on October 7, 1933.  After a long and courageous fight with cancer he passed away at his home in Maple Valley, Washington on January 3, 2011.  He was surrounded by his wife Joy and his loved ones. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Kenneth Pence, and his first wife Bobbie.

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Les graduated from Comanche High School in 1951 and then attended Oklahoma State University.  In the second semester of his sophomore year he was drafted into the army.  After basic training and artillery observation school at Fort Sill Oklahoma, Les was sent to Seattle Washington and shipped out to Korea.  He served in the First Field Artillery Battalion from December 1953 – April 1955.
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Les married Bobbie Shackelford on June 20, 1956.  Les returned to Oklahoma State University and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.  He continued his education and received a Master’s Degree in Finance.  Upon graduation in 1959 Les started working for Boeing in Wichita, Kansas. Les and Bobbie had two children, Les Jr. and Diana.  After the passing of Bobbie in 1965, Les moved with the children to Seattle Washington where he continued to work for Boeing in finance and materials procurement.
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Les married his wife Joy on June 18, 1975.  Les and Joy enjoyed many years of traveling and camping.  He enjoyed family, friends, fishing and growing vegetables – especially large tomatoes.  Les had a grand sense of humor, and was truly Santa Clause to his family.  After 32 years with Boeing, he retired in 1991. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Joy Pence.  His children: O. Les Pence, Diana Kuna, (Don), step children Mark Atteberry (Carrie), Kevan Atteberry (Teri), David Atteberry (Christine), Jan Vetter (Bill), 13 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.
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Les was an amazing husband and father.
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In life we loved him dearly; in death we do the same. You do not go alone as part of us go’s with you.
Interment will be at Tahoma National Cemetery at 2:00 PM January 26, 2011.
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The celebration of his life will be held at Water Gardens in Maple Valley on Feb. 13, 2011 at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society or the charity of your choice.

11 Responses to “Leslie H. Pence”

  • Carrie says:

    Les – what an amazing father in law! I could never tell any good “in law” jokes because mine are so wonderful! =D I will always remember Les for his humor and his great advice! Also, he was a man who understood and shared my love for fried okra! =D

    He was the greatest Grump Kendra and Daniel could have and they love him and miss him very much.

    Our lives will forever be changed because a part of it is now gone. Les will be sorely missed always and especially at Christmas.

    Joy, Diane, and Les Jr. – we are so sorry for your pain and we are here for you no matter what you need! We love you and know that Les is watching over you! =D

    Les, we know that you are still with us and we wish you the very best until we meet you again!

    Much love to all – Carrie, Mark, Kendra, Daniel =D

  • Mark says:

    I was looking for something profound to say.. but it really comes down to this. I was honored and blessed to have him as my step-father and friend for over 40 years. I learned much from him and respected him dearly. His physical presence will be missed sorely.. but, with all I have learned from him, and shared with him over the years… it keeps his presence alive in my heart…and always will. Peace be with you Les.

  • Jan or (j.i. as he called me) says:

    Leslie – I love you!!! Thank you sooo much for your example of unconditional love to me and our whole family. Thank you for all the camping trips and great stories (is there really an Indian named “Falling Rock”? We saw signs on our trips all the time that said ‘Watch for Falling Rock’ and you would say “They are still looking for that old Indian.” Thanks for teaching me how to change a tire, put on chains, check the oil and how to care for my car. Thanks for encouraging me day-in and day-out, year after year through college. I did it! Just like you said I could! I couldn’t have done it without you. You are a part of who I am and who my children are today. You cared deeply and showed it in amazingly unique ways! There was never a doubt that you loved me even when I was in trouble. Les, when you came into my life it was as if someone turned the lights on in a room for me. I will miss you sooooo much. I will see you again though! Love, love you J.I.

  • Diana Kuna says:

    To everyone who knew and loved my Dad. My hope is that he be remembered for his strenght, love of family, for those wonderful stories he told and for being our Santa. If you knew him, you loved him.

    My brother and I were always proud of the man he was and realized early on that his love for us would carry us far in life – and it has. To say I loved him, is not enough. To say I will miss him, is not enough. To carry on his legacy and the hopes and dreams he had for our family will honor him, but it will not be enough. For all that he was in my life, there is simply not enough I can say.

    My Dad knows I love him and I know he loves me – maybe that is enough.

    Diana

  • Wilma Kuna says:

    Les will be missed.we became friends when our daughters
    were best friends.and he gave Diana to my son Don.to be my daughter also.we had alot of laughs together.as
    he had a great sense of humor. I send my love to Joy
    and family.Enjoy all the good loving memories.
    Love Wilma Kuna

  • CJ Williams says:

    Although I did not know Les, my condolences and hugs go to his family who sounded like amazing strength through his hardest times. Your love went with him.
    CJ

  • kevan atteberry says:

    Having Les for my stepfather was an unearned bonus in my life. Like winning the lottery. The joy he brought my mom was priceless. For that alone I am eternally grateful. But there is so much more. He exuded joie de vivre whenever, wherever. I enjoyed his humor, his tales, his engaging dialogue. He was a good spirited foil for my occasionally, overly-animated diatribes and he made me think. He made everyone feel welcome and appreciated (despite the tongue-in-cheek jabs.) He was kind and generous and fair. Always. And he was Santa to my boys their whole lives. I imagine he always will be. We miss you very much, Les. You were an amazing man. We are so glad we had you in our lives.
    Love, kevan, teri, lennon and rio.

  • Chris says:

    What a joy this man was to know and love. He will be forever missed but the wonderful memories will always be there. All my love and sympathy for the loss to Joy and her family. Love, Chris

  • Andy Resor says:

    I worked with Les for many years at Boeing. Remember when he and Joy were married. There are so many stories about Les and PJ. Les was a good friend and mentor at Boeing. Hope to see Joy one of these days.

    Our prayers are with you all.

    Andy

  • Kendra says:

    i love my grump so much and when my mom told me he was gone i thought that i was going to wake up from a bad dream any minute. i loved how he always teased me and when i would give him a kiss his scratchy beard would rube on my cheek. i feel so so so so so sorry for everyone who has to go through this pain i now it well i feel it all the time i pray for you all and for grump hoping hes happy

    my prayers to everyone

    Kendra

  • Joy says:

    You were my friend, my lover, my husband and the man that gave me the very best years of my life… I miss you so much!! I think of all the fun times we had traveling, camping, family gatherings, taking my Mother to LA to see my brother and family… watching you play Santa for the kids… yes, the kids and not just the grandkids!! We had to have the traditional reading of the “Night before Christmas” You were the best at doing the steaks on the barbecue..I love you my dear. We will meet again!!

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