L. T. "Red" Twomey

Red Twomey at Marine Air Groups Reunion 2009

(photo courtesy of Bob Miller)

Mesquite, Texas---Leslie Thomas "Red" Twomey was called home by the Lord Wednesday, April 21, 2010.
He was born August 10, 1915 in Mounds, Illinois. Red spent his childhood and young adult life in Memphis, Tennessee. There he played baseball and captained the South Side football team. After graduation Red played football at University of Tennessee at Martin. In 1942, at the age of 27, Red enlisted in the Marine Corp. When asked why, he said "There's a war going on." On November 9, 1943, he married Julia Lee Kent. Red and Judy were married for 66 years. They endured many of life's joys and hardships. During his 31 year Marine Corp career, Red achieved the rank of Warrant Officer, saw action in WWII, Korean War, Viet Nam and earned many metals and commendations. After retirement from the Marine Corp, Red and Judy moved to Athens where together they built their new home. They attended many Marine reunions across the country, reuniting friendships they made during his 31 years of service. Red was a member of First United Methodist Church, DAV, Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, a 32 degree mason and was presented the Golden Trowel.
He was preceded in death by his parents Leslie Thomas and Vivian Ruth Twomey, wife Julia Lee Twomey and sister Virginia Ruth Twomey.
Survivors include son Terry Twomey and wife Linda, Mansfield; daughter Donna Adams and husband Harry, Mesquite; grandchildren Mark Kitts, Todd Kitts and wife Denise; great grandchildren Katie, Rylee and Sammie Kitts.

(from Carroll-Lehr Funeral Home, Athens, TX)

All  of his WWII and Korean buddies called him just plain "Red".  After he made Warrant Officer, the remainder of us called him "Mister Twomey".  He was a great inspiration to many Marines.