Leslie "Les" J. Thomas

Leslie “Les” James Thomas, age 75, of Port Saint Lucie, Florida passed away on August 23, 2022 surrounded by his loving family and animals at home.

Les was born on July 15, 1947 in Cape Girardeau, Missouri to William and Irene (Allen) Thomas.

Les made a career of proudly serving in the United States Air Force fighting in the Vietnam War and Desert Storm where he earned several medals, including the Air Medal and the Meritorious Service Medals where he operated C–47’s in combat. Les also flew as an engineer on C-141B’s also known as the “Starlifter” for over 18 years. With being in the Air Force, he had the opportunity to fly all over the world and see many boundless things. After active duty he continued on with the Air Force Reserves, his home base was Charleston, South Carolina with the 707th Military Airlift Squadron. The combined time of active and reserve duty he served his country for 23 loyal years and earned the rank of Master Sergeant.

After Les got married in 1969 to his first wife Dorothy, they both moved to St. Lucie County in August 1970. He then began his subsequent career with the St Lucie County Sheriff’s Office. From there he went onto work respectively in the service department at a few local car dealerships in Fort Pierce before finally retiring from the City of Fort Pierce in December 2007.

Les’s heart was full of kind heartedness and compassion for all animals big or small that he became immersed in fostering and volunteering with the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast for 16 wonderful years. He also became a wildlife rescue rehabilitator and took pride in trying to save helpless and abandoned animals that couldn’t care for their self. His success in life can be directly attributed to his tenacity, a strong work ethic, and his attention to detail was legendary however, he will likely be remembered for his quick wit and persistent charisma… qualities that lead so many to consider him a great mentor.

Les was preceded in death by his parents, William and Irene and his first wife, Dorothy Elaine (Bondank) Thomas and their daughter Lesley Elaine Thomas.

Survivors include his wife, Roxie (Crawford) Thomas; daughters, Sandy (Eric) Freudenthal and Angela Thomas; one granddaughter, Savannah Thomas; sister, Denise (Thomas) Harper; brother, Travis Thomas, and cousins, Sharon Warren and Vickie Cash.

Visitation will be Saturday, September 3, 2022 at 11:00am followed by the service at 12:00pm at Haisley Tribute Center, 2041 SW Bayshore Blvd., Port St. Lucie, Florida. The interment will immediately follow to Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, 6026 US Highway 1 North, Fort Pierce Florida.

In addition to or in lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital, an organization Les felt strongly about.