Leslie "Les" Don Whittington, 64, of Granite City passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, July 4, 2023.

Les was born on November 21, 1958, in Borger, Texas to Erman Glen Whittington and Thelma Ann (nee Nicholas) Whittington.

On October 5, 1985, Les and his son Leslie Neal Whittington married the love of his life Ronda "Katy" Tanksley Crown and her son Adam Scott Crown in Granite City.  Their family was complete with the birth of twin daughters Lori Kay Whittington Avants and Lacy Ann Whittington.

Les started his career as a lifelong automotive mechanic at a young age after being mentored by a special neighbor who recognized the talent that Les would make his life's work as an ASE Certified Mechanic.  After a brief time at Granite City Steel, he went on to work at Bradley Carburetor on West Florissant in St. Louis where he became the owner and operator of the full-service automotive shop eventually retiring after many years.  Over the years he gained a loyal following of customers who brought their cars to him for decades, long after his formal retirement.  He was always willing to help anyone who was in need of automotive work, regardless of their ability to pay.  He was a trusted and highly thought of mechanic who many considered a friend.  Les passed down his love of mechanic work to his two sons who followed in his foot steps.  He was an avid NASCAR fan and collector and restorer of classic cars.  He almost always was working on a project car in his healthier times, trading and selling them, allowing him to own dozens and dozens and dozens of them over many years.  One of his favorites being an original 1958 Cadillac that the "Tournament of Roses" wished to purchase for their parade.  Instead, he sacrificed this prize possession to an elderly gentleman whose father had owned the very same car in his younger years.  It was simply the kind of man Les was.

But more than anything, Les loved being with his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  He loved his family deeply and was happiest when he was surrounded by them all during special times like Florida vacations, Christmas and 4th of July.  As his family, we were not surprised that he chose this day to take his leave, knowing all future 4ths will be celebrated in his honor.  He will be missed beyond measure.

In addition to his loving wife Ronda "Katy" Whittington, Les is survived by his sons Leslie N. Whittington of Granite City and Adam S. Crown (Chrissy) of Fairview Heights, Illinois.  Two daughters, Lori Kay Avants (Gregg) and Lacy Ann Whittington (George Barker III) both of Granite City.  His many grandchildren.  Cameron Borth Crown, namesake Reilly Don Scott Crown, Greggory N. Avants, MacKenzie Crown, Jorden P. Whittington, Hanna Avants, Mariah Smith, Lucas "Luke" Crown, William Martin "Billy" Smith III and Asa Samuel Avants, great grandchildren Everlie Kagy, Jackson Crown and Vivie Crown. He is also survived by his siblings Peggy Hull (Richard) and David Whittington (Yvonne) both of Granite City.  Survived by sister-in-law and brother-in-law Lorri Tanksley Lamarr (Eric).  He is also survived by his loving mother-in-law Brenda Tanksley of Granite City, and many, many nieces, nephews and cousins.  He is sure to be missed by his kittens Miss Penny and CoCo.

In addition to both his parents, Les was preceded in death by his Nicholas grandparents, Whittington grandparents, father-in-law Ronald S. Tanksley and his bonus son Christopher Hasty (Mopar) whom he loved as his own.  He hopes to be greeted by his beloved poodle FiFi at the Rainbow Bridge along with Duchess, Sadie, Charlie, Tootsie, Sweetie, Buddy, Baby and countless other furry friends he loved throughout his years.

An informal celebration of Les's life will be held Sunday, July 9, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Mt. Zion Church, 2827 Mockingbird Lane.  Please join us in the church's gymnasium for light refreshments where we can share our stories, memories and pay tribute to a man well-loved.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Les's family and will be accepted at the funeral home and at the celebration of his life to help offset many medical bills and funeral expenses.

Online information and guestbook through Wojstrom Funeral Home & Crematory may be found at www.wojstrom.com.