Leslie R Evitts

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Rank: TSgt

Entered Into Eternal Rest
2011-12-15

TSgt Leslie Rex Evitts (USAF Ret.) passed away at 0340 hours Thursday December 15, 2011.

“Ranger Rex” as he was known by his friends and teammates succumbed to lung cancer at the age of 68.  Rex’s last Air Force station was as a plank holder and Combat Controller on the first Special Tactics Team identified first as Det 1, MACOS, then Det 4, NAFCOS and now the 24th Special Tactics Squadron.  Rex was scheduled to retire on Oct 20, 1983, but instead rushed to delay his retirement so as to participate in “Urgent Fury” informally known as the invasion of Grenada.  On the morning of October 23rd, 1983, Rex parachuted from 600 feet on to Point Salinas Grenada with several other STS members and Rangers.  Rex was awarded the Bronze Star for Valor for his actions and the significant contributions he made to this successful operation.

Rex was laid to rest on Dec 18, 2011 at Mountain View Memorial Park, 4100 Steilacoom Blvd SW, Lakewood, WA and was survived by his loving Wife Lenora; Devoted Sons: Don Bayne, David and Devin Evitts, and Faithful Daughter: Dina Gloder Rex began his career in Combat Control as a Parachute Qualified P30474 Ground Radio Repairman and later retrained as a P27270 Jump Qualified Air Traffic Controller. 

He graduated from Combat Control School in Class 71-3 while stationed at Norton. After retirement from Det 4, NAFCOS Rex worked at the Savannah River Site in command of a Special Response Team, and later as a military instructor in a military based high school.

Rex was Life Member 656 of the Combat Control Association, and a member of the American Legion.

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2 entries.
John Hill wrote on June 2, 2023
[IMG_N9l0ITc.jpg] Leslie Evitts playing with a blasting cap. Photo provided by Gene Johnson
[IMG_N9l0ITc.jpg]
Leslie Evitts playing with a blasting cap. Photo provided by Gene Johnson... Collapse
Gene wrote on March 23, 2022
I'm met Rex when he was on the McCord team. About 1975. I thought he was an outstanding staff sergeant. He taught me several things that combat controllers did. Cross trained with the rangers at fort Lewis. He was made Romad of the year. God bless you Rex
I'm met Rex when he was on the McCord team. About 1975. I thought he was an outstanding staff sergeant. He taught me several things that combat controllers did. Cross trained with the rangers at fort Lewis. He was made Romad of the year. God bless you Rex... Collapse