Leslie “Les” Covell Parton, went to be with the Lord on February 23, 2024 at the age of 85. Les was born on September 2, 1938 to Covell C. Parton and Marguerite S. Parton in his grandfather’s farmhouse in Coffey, Missouri.
Les loved golf, fishing, trailer camping, road tripping, watching NASCAR, and music. He played all but the flute of the woodwind instruments, the saxophone being his favorite.
After graduating from North Central High School in Spokane, WA he joined the US Naval Reserve. He was called to Active Duty during the Vietnam Era and served several tours in Vietnam on shore, aboard ship, and in the air as a member of a helicopter crew. He had SEAL training in 1960. (SEALs were established in 1962.) When he returned to the states he served as an Electronics Instructor at Treasure Island Naval Station in San Francisco. During his military career, his many assignments included court reporter, a senior support personnel on Seventh Fleet staff, and spent 90 days at the South Pole testing electronic equipment. Because of his electronic training, he could fix anything. Les served over 20 years in the U.S. Navy, Active and Reserve from 1956-1997 with breaks in service for family, education, and work. He was employed by US West from 1968-1990 in multiple jobs that eventually led to upper management positions. After retiring from US West, he held a variety of small management positions before finally retiring from all work at age 73 in 2012.
Les was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Donald L. Parton. He is survived by his wife Carolyn Parton. whom he married on August 20 1993; children, Jerrald Parton, Susan Rogers, and Danielle Matthews and husband Rillon. Les is also survived by his brother Larry E. Parton, nephew Ken Parton, and grandchildren Allison Parton, Maddeline Rogers, and Milla Matthews.
A devoted Husband, Dad, and Grandpa, a Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, March 16, 2024, at 2 p.m. at First Assembly of God, 835 S Main ST. Prineville, Oregon.
Les’ final resting place will be at Eagle Point National Cemetery, Eagle Point, Oregon.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Assembly of God, 835 S Main ST, Prineville, OR.
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