Leslie Robert Stevens

After attending West Point by Presidential appointment, he graduated with the class of 1947. While furthering his education for the Army Air Corp at the University of Chicago, he met the love of his life, Elizabeth (Liz) Miriam Ault and married her in 1949. Leslie served his country in the United States Air Force for nearly 30 years in Okinawa, France, Colorado, Tennessee and California. He took great pride in his ability as a C-130 pilot, a chemistry instructor at the USAF Academy and a project manager on the Titan III-C missile budgets. After retiring from the Air Force he moved his family to Raleigh in 1969, where Les worked for the North Carolina Office of the State Budget and Management, retiring again after 20 years.

After retirement, he and Liz moved to France, bought a red Citroen and traveled Europe for the year. They returned to Raleigh to enjoy its beauty and gracious living. He had a passion for travel, circumnavigating the globe many times, and was an avid bridge player. Les played bridge extensively with good friends at both Pullen Park and at First Presbyterian Church for 30 years.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Elizabeth and his eldest son, Robert C. Stevens. He is survived by his five children, Leslie Elizabeth Stevens, Lynne (Rick) Wilson, Cherie (Matthew) Stevens, Noelle (H. Howard) Browne and Paul (Serena) Stevens, as well as his grandchildren: Spencer Stevens, Katherine Harrell, Forrest Harrell, Emily Wilson, John Browne, Pressley Browne, Lauren Stevens, Zach Stevens, Cody, McConnell and Hanna McConnell.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12 noon on Monday, June 11, 2012 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 11401 Leesville Road, Raleigh, NC 27613.

In light of his enduring love of animals, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the SPCA of Wake County, 200 Petfinder Lane, Raleigh, NC 27603.

Condolences may be sent through www.mitchellatrmp.com