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.

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.

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.

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.

Les was an amazing husband and father.

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.

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.