Thomas "Les" Willett

Thomas Leslie “Les” Willett was a dedicated husband, father, Pop Pop, uncle, veteran, leader, and friend whose life was marked by service, integrity, love and humor.

He proudly served 13 years in the United States Marine Corps becoming an instructor, supervisor, and mentor to countless Marines. His military career continued with the California Army National Guard for 6 years and the United States Army for 6 years including service supporting Special Forces Operations missions overseas. He served in two combat deployments to Iraq among numerous other deployments throughout his career. Some of his mentionable duty stations were in Japan, Thailand, the Republic of the Philippines and Republic of Korea.

Les served his nation with honor courage, and unwavering dedication, leaving behind a legacy of service and strength. During his distinguished service he received the Iraq Campaign Medal, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Armed Forces Services Medal, Army Achievement Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal.

Following his military career, Les continued to excel in civilian leadership roles across logistics, operations, supply chain and distribution management and charitable work. He held management and advisory positions with organizations including Senior Operations Analyst at Great American Power (Perigee Energy) and Regional Managerial roles at Henkel and McCoy, among other corporations throughout California and Texas. In his last civilian position, he worked for a charitable organization in East Tennessee whose mission was providing housing for homeless veterans.

He was a graduate of Rockwood High School and Coastline Community College with dual Associates Degrees in Aviation Technology and Distribution Operations Management with further Bachelor’s studies in Organizational Management at University of La Verne.

Les was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Andrea Warner Willett; father, Howard Lawrence Willett; his stepfather, William Perry “W.P.” “Pete” Wright; and stepsister, Teresa Wright.

He is survived by his children, Karen Bowen n’ee Willett (Richard Bowen), Spencer Willett, Jordan Willett, and Marissa Vittetoe; mother, Marilyn “Jenny” Hassler Willett Wright, sister, Laura Mater (Wes Harris), brother, Eric Willett; stepbrother, Doug Wright (Shelley), stepsister, Kathy Wright; grandchildren, Parker, Mari, Harlie, Morgana, Daken, nieces, Erica and Candice, nephew Luke and many extended family members, and dear friends who will forever treasure his memory.

Les will be remembered for his unyielding sacrifice of patriotic military service, love for God, his family, friends and rescue animals, his big bear hugs and his witty, observational sense of humor. His humorous presence, wisdom, and resilience through life’s ups and downs left a lasting impression on all who knew him. Les had a listening ear for those in need and was an inspirational lifeline to many throughout the years.

He carried the weight of service with quiet strength. His legacy of sacrifice, perseverance, and leadership will continue to live on through those who knew and loved him.

“Some people leave behind service. Others leave behind love. Some humor. Les left us the trifecta.”

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us? And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’” Isaiah 6:8

Rest easy Marine, we have the watch. Semper Fi

Family will receive friends at Evans Mortuary chapel on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm with a service to follow with Rev. Pruitt Plemons officiating. Interment will take place Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 10:00 am at the East Tennessee State Veteran Cemetery in Knoxville, Tennessee with full military honors. Evans is honored to serve the family of Mr. Thomas Leslie Willett.