My heart was saddened when I heard of
his passing going to his heavenly place to
Be with are Lord Jesus. I started at about
the same time as Les Thacker at the Hilton. I remember great times with Les
and and all the good things he did for
others and what a beautiful family he
Cherish in his life. So to his family my 
deepest condolences and how he'll be
missed. May you have peace of the Lord
Amen

This is a pic with Les Thacker, Toby Dicesare, & Dominic Parisi.  My fondest memory of Les was always his kindness, generosity,  and  The Easter Sunday's he would always put together every year for his friends & family.  He was an amazing man full of fun and out to enjoy life.  He will be deeply missed by his VIP Lounge Family.   Much Love, Bambi, Elsa, Sandy,  & Isabel.  Les, you will be deeply missed.  

If only we could go out of this life doing what we loved so much.  Les did that.  Please find comfort in the thought he was doing what he loved with a friend he cherished. 


I first met Les at 5th Street Elementary school a very long time ago however I really can’t remember many details. We hooked up again at the Horseshoe and eventually at the Hilton. Many of the latter memories I will never forget; parties, employee golf tournaments, poker games, and twelve idiots on a bus. There is one memory that I remember well, The Hilton sponsored an Alaskan fishing trip annually for its premium customers. They were flown on a private chartered jet and wine and dined when they got there. Les and I were told there was a good chance there would be a couple of openings available for us due to last minute cancellations and for us to pack our bags and be ready to depart early that morning. I was a pit boss on graveyard shift and Les a floor supervisor on days. I found out early that morning that there would only be one opening available for the trip. I felt bad for Les because I figured my job status would outrank his and he wouldn’t be going. Jimmy Wike who was our VP of gaming explained to me why he chose Les to go on the trip instead of me. Jimmy said the reason Les was chosen to go was because the customers would have more fun with him there than me. The truth hurt a little bit back then, but the truth is the truth. Les was a blast of fun with all his antics and charm. We are all going to miss you and have a blast with the angels

Easter party in the park. Kendall and Les 2021. We captured this amazing pic of father and son. We had an awesome day. You are so missed Les. 

August 2022 -  Our last dinner with Les. He cooked us smoked salmon, shrimp scampi, fried potatoes, corn bread muffins, and some amazing pina colata's!! We had so much fun! Best Friends Forever!

1993 Skit for George Tuman's Retirement Video starring Les & Mike.

1979 Lake Havasu Boat Run with Les and Renee

Cancun 2021 Nancy, Pam, Mike, and Les - photo by Carla

My heart is broken at the loss of one of my best friends. But when I think of Les, I see his face, hear his laugh and think about the things we did together. 
Whenever he had a crazy idea, I got the call, whether it was moving his mother’s huge mirror across town in a pickup with no supports, or digging up a shed in the desert by Railroad Pass to take to the Speedway to use as a refreshment stand. 
When he got called into work, he asked if I could string Xmas lights on his house and I did, although I forgot to plug them in, thought they didn’t work until Leslie plugged it in for me. He never let me live it down. 
For our friend, George’s retirement party, Les had made a video that included a skit from the show “In Living Color.” In it, he and I played the two gay guys dressed in leotards, ballet shoes, and sequins, with our version of working with George in the casino business. To see it is to believe it. 
He spent a few nights on our couch after we would spend hours telling stories and laughing at each other. There are so many more stories that could be told but we all know that .
In 1987, Les & Renee hosted their 1st Easter Picnic. It’s gone on for 35 years. Carla & I have only missed 1. Les would come up with many ideas for the picnic, from blindfolded wheel barrel races, to a motorized train to ride in. A lot of work and cost but Les and Renee didn’t care, everyone was welcome. That is who they were. 
Lester & Renee could stretch a dollar into thousands. From putting up 8’ Storks in front yards, to making candles in their garage or selling cookie bouquets. The boys played pop warner football, Leslie a cheerleader, Les coached & Renee ran the refreshment stand. Their children traveled across country to speed skate. Les & Renee went without sleep, but their children didn’t do without. As parents, they shared their wisdom and love to create an amazing family.
I’m a better person for having known him. There will never be another like him.
Forever Friends, Mike



I met Lester in 1965, I was in 7th grade, he in 8th at Garside JrHS. He was the popular boy on a motorcycle that was in every girl’s dreams. We went steady just long enough for my parents to accept him into our family. He would come to our house and ask for me,  then my sisters, Lisa or Electra, and if we weren’t home, he would visit with my mom. If my brothers were older, he would have visited with them. It didn’t matter as he had become a part of our big family, although my dad did tell him his wife was off limits.
One of my craziest memories from that time is Les and his uncle, picked up my sister, Electra, and I to go for a ride in his two seated convertible Thunderbird. We headed up to what is now Buffalo, but at the time it was a deserted paved/dirt road. We must have been doing about 100 mph when the road ended and it was a 3’ drop. We flew through the air and somehow landed without crashing or rolling. I remember Lester’s excitement and laughter as we drove away. 
Les and I remained good friends, even more like brother and sister. He brought his beautiful girlfriend to meet my family and said he was going to marry her. Renee was 15 at the time and they did get married. 
In 1978, I went to work at the Las Vegas Hilton, Les worked there too. When Mike and I became a couple in 1985, our families became very close. Les and Renee were by our side when we lost Mike’s daughter, Stephanie, and Mike and I were there for Les when he lost his beloved Renee, and brother, Ronnie.
We shared so much laughter, fun, and even tears, through the years. (You will hear more from Mike’s remembrance.) I cannot imagine life without my friend, my brother! I can still hear you saying, “If I had known I would live this long, I would have taken better care of myself.” Ride the wind my friend, I will see you soon!
With Love, Carla


so sorry… Les will be missed. One of a kind❤️

I’ve know Les since 6th or 7th grade. He’s a couple years older. I was interested in his brother Ronnie. Nothing ever came of that till i started working at the Hilton in 1978. Les showed me around as we were hired for the same thing. Dealing cards at the Hilton. He took great pleasure in showing me around. He even walked me into the mens bathroom to show me the bathroom. It was for men only but Les and his friends thought that was hilarious, as it has since turned out to be. Always a jokester, he was a great guy. I’ll miss him. 

My heart is heavy to learn of Lesters sudden passing ……To think of Les was always followed by his continuous fun smile and never a dull moment!  For many of us, back at the LVH in 1979 thru many, many decades we had a “blast” !  “Les” was “More”  
May the entire Thacker family know he will be missed by so many.  God Bless 

My deepest condolences to the family. Lester was an absolutely amazing person . His laugh was contagious and he had a heart of gold . He was always the life of the party and knew how to make you smile .  He will truly be missed 💔

So sorry to hear about Les's passing. My sympathy goes out to the entire family. I have many great memories of Les and our time working together at the Hilton. RIP my friend

Lester was the first kid I met when I moved LV from Texas in 1965. He was a funny young wild man. Loved the girls and many loved him right back. I remember when he got a candy apple red Honda 175 with an electric cigarette lighter custom add on. Can you say envy? He was a good guy and I am so sorry for your loss. Though I didn’t see him for 50 years he was a guy you could never forget, Tom Lindsey- El Segundo, Ca

Our sincere sympathy and compassion from our hearts to all of those who knew, and loved Les...until we meet again, my friend...
Alex Rodriguez & family 

Dear Thacker Family,
I was so sorry to hear of Les’ passing. He was always so good to Bill Yarbrough, Nancy Bisese and myself anytime we went to Vegas for the NFR. Your mom was a beautiful lady and we will share some really great memories. Your father always had a great time.
May you all feel God’s presence at this most difficult time.
My prayers will be with you all!
Sincerely,
Rita Fyffe
Texas

He was always very kind whenever I had dealings with him at work(Las Vegas Hilton).
My condolences to his family and friends. RIP sir.
Dee Dee Carballo 

Les was a good friend to me since high school days at western. I am greatly saddened by his loss. His family treated me as one of their own.
My heartfelt condolences to those that knew him.

Bill Garner

I am so broken hearted  and saddened over the loss of my dear and close friend Lester . I loved him dearly and he will be missed . Praying for all of his family during this difficult time  . Till we see each other one day again.  
Love you , Nancy 

Every time I was around Les, you knew it would be a good time! He was sweet, funny and very caring. I'm honored to have known him. This life won't be the same without him. R.I.P.

OBITUARY

Lester Roy Thacker

April 19, 1952 – August 25, 2022

Palm Northwest Mortuary & Cemetery

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