CARL "LES' LESLIE PIXLEY

Carl L Pixley, “Les” to his friends, passed from this world Feb 5 after a long courageous battle with cancer. He was born on Jan 1, 1943 to Carl W Pixley and Mildred (Luce) Pixley, In Moscow. No fanfare in those days for a New Years Baby! The first 14 years of his life he attended Moscow schools before moving to Spokane Valley where he graduated High School. The minute he could, he had his mother sign a release so he could join the Marine Corps. He was only 17 at the time. He achieved high scores, so he became Air Wing. He joined in 1961 and planned to leave at the end of his TDY but the Vietnam War saw him extended 4 months to serve overseas. It’s true in war you either die quickly, or slowly. Sadly that was the case for Les since he was exposed to Agent Orange.

After leaving the Marines he had a variety of jobs, welding, airplane mechanic, and draftsman. This was all in the Seattle area. He met and married Sherry Harper on Sep 2 1972. They were in a rush so he could enroll in Engineering on the GI bill and attend Renton Tech. Their blended family included daughters Candace and Carie from his first marriage to Kathy Kester Wilson, and Christopher, whom he later adopted.

The family decided to move back to the Old Homestead in Viola in 1976. Les eventually worked for the Moscow Police department from 1979 to 1996 achieving the rank of Corporal. After retiring he drilled wells, did pump work, cement work, installed septic systems etc. When he became very active in the VFW he became Commander for 9 years in Potlatch at Post 10300. Those were busy years! Fundraising, going to Conventions, working the programs, and cooking at Potlatch Days. He took his duties as Honor Guard seriously for military funerals, and kept the rifles in good firing order. Les also served a year as District 2 Commander for the VFW. He was active with the American Legion as well and the Potlatch Arts Council. 

Les loved to play his instruments, especially the banjo and his guitar. He picked up the fiddle now and then, and mandolin. He used to play at Mickey’s Tavern in Harvard, then at the Silver Saddle in Potlatch. Old time Country, none of that new stuff for him.

He was ever the helpful friend and neighbor doing many repair jobs when asked. A devoted husband to Sherry, a father to his own children, and helped raised a slew of others. Our house was a revolving door for Foster kids, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He leaves behind his wife Sherry of 51 years, children Candy and Chris, and a large extended family. He was beloved of grandchildren Mindy Pixley (Leonard Sharp), Travis (Lori) Pixley, Kyle Bunten (Cassie Martin), Ryan Linder (Morgan Murdock Linder), Gretchen Pixley and Max Pixley. Between all of them, 13 great grandchildren, all adored.

He was preceded in death by his parents Carl and Mildred, daughter Carie Pixley, granddaughter Ashley Linder and great granddaughter Willow Pixley.

A service with full Military Honors will be conducted at Kramer’s Funeral Home in Palouse WA on April 20, 2024 at 11:00 A.M.  Burial at the Viola Cemetery, with a potluck reception to follow at the Viola Community Center

In lieu of flowers please donate to either the Viola Community Center 1007 Rothfork Rd. Viola ID 83872, or the VFW PO Box 386 Potlatch ID 83855.

 Kramer Funeral Home, Palouse, WA is caring for the family. On line condolences may be left at www.kramercares.com

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