Lt. Col Lester (Les) Carlton, USAF Ret.

Lt. Col. Lester (Les) Carlton was born in Arcadia, Florida on October 27, 1934. Graduating from high school in Lakeland, Florida he attended the University of Florida until he joined the US Air Force in March of 1954 as an Aviation Cadet. After receiving his Pilot’s wings, he was commissioned in August of 1955.

During his 20 years of service in the Air Force Les rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and was assigned to numerous worldwide locations. Although Les piloted a variety of aircraft, he spent most of his time in reconnaissance type aircraft, flying 200 missions in Vietnam in the RF-4C Phantom. His awards include the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with 16 clusters, the Presidential Unit Citation and many other numerous medals and awards.

Upon completion of his Vietnam tour of duty Les was assigned to Bergstrom AFB where he served as an Instructor Pilot, training other crew members to fly the RF-4C until his retirement in 1974. He married the love of his life Theresa (Terri) Velte Reitz and together with their blended family, they began their 46-year journey through life.

He joined IBM in 1978 and retired in 1993 as an Administrative Manager. Since retirement, Les has been an active volunteer at SeniorNet Austin where he has taught seniors how to use the personal computer. In addition to his teaching, he has served seniors by repairing their PCs on a volunteer basis. He started his own one-man computer repair business, JetVet, at the age of 75.

Les always said his happiest years were spent with his family water skiing on Lake Travis. He loved BBQing for his family and friends. He and Terri had a mutual love for photography that took them on many adventurous photo shoots with their dear friends. He had a great sense of humor and was always there for anyone who needed help. He will be missed by all that knew him.

Les was preceded in death by his son, Christopher Carlton; his brother, Phil Carlton; and his parents, Earl and Anna Lou Carlton.

He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Terri Carlton; his children: Scott Carlton, David Reitz, Christine Reitz, Debra, and her husband Clayton Collins; his 5 grandchildren and their spouses; his 6 great grandchildren and his sister-in-law, Elaine Carlton.

He left this Earth on January 29, 2021 to join fellow fallen aviators who have preceded him. May God grant him smooth air and favorable tailwinds.

Visitation will be on Monday, February 8, 2021 at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home in Pflugerville, TX from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Service will follow visitation on Monday, February 8, 2021 at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home in Pflugerville, TX at 2:00 p.m. Masks are required.