Ernest Leslie Mounts

A Celebration of Life service for Ernest Leslie “Les” Mounts, Sr., will be held on Friday, March 26, 2021 at 5:00 PM at Reliance Church in Temecula, CA. Inurnment will be held at a later date at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, CA.

Les was born December 29, 1946 in Newton, KS to Michael Anderson and Ila Mae (Patterson) Mounts. He passed away March 18, 2021 at the age of 74 years, 2 months, 22 days.

Les served in the US Navy as a Seaman from August 1965 – November 1966. He also served in the US Army as a Sergeant First Class from February 1985 – February 2007. In the Army, he served as a Motor Transport Operator, Cavalry Scout, and Field Artillery Surveyor. During Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom, He deployed with the 1498th Transportation Company to Iraq. Les earned a Combat Action Badge along with many other service ribbons and medals. He was immensely proud of his service to his country and was also very proud that so many of his children also volunteered to serve in all 4 branches of the military.

Les worked just as hard as he played, and loved even harder. He made friends wherever he went, and a stranger was never a stranger for very long. He loved making people laugh. Les was the consummate storyteller, purveyor of all the Dad jokes and was really good at it. He was a warrior spiritually, physically and mentally. He had faith in God, Country and love for his family. Les really enjoyed working in his yard. He loved to watch sports, especially NASCAR and the Kansas City Chiefs. He loved spending time with all kids and animals. Les was always caring, generous, and giving of himself. He really enjoyed bowling, playing golf, and beating everyone at card games.

Les was a regular volunteer at Reliance Church and was known as the “dancing, parking, grandpa.” He was also a member of the VFW #1714, Moose Lodge and the American Legion in Dodge City, Kansas. He was loved by so many and he will be deeply missed by all.

He is survived by his loving wife, Linda Stites-Mounts; sons;

JR Mounts and wife, Erica, Richard Mounts and wife, Kimberly, David Mounts, and wife, KC, Michael Mounts, and wife, Wendy, and Paul Stites; daughters; Dyanna Aguayza and husband, Pablo, Nikki Mounts, Crystle Logan and husband, Charles, and Heidi Waddell and husband, Randy; adopted son, David Ranciglio and wife, Rosa; 21 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; brothers, M. Jesse Mounts and wife, Brenda, and Jerry Mounts; sister, Patricia Powell and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Sharon Denise Mounts; son, Kevin Scott Mounts; parents, Michael & Ila Mae Mounts; and brother, Terry Mounts.