Leo Conrad Boutin

Leo Conrad Boutin, 86, passed away after a brief illness on February 21, 2022. God granted his loved ones a bit of extra time in his final hours to express our love and appreciation to Leo for his life well lived as our exceptionally beloved husband, Daddy, Grandpa, Great-grandpa, companion, and friend. He loved the Lord with ALL his heart and followed Him faithfully to his last breath.

Leo was born in Sanford, Maine on August 12, 1935 to Bertha (Pelletier) and Leo Casmier Boutin. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at 17 years old hoping to help with the war efforts in Korea, but the military had other plans for PVT Boutin. Leo was sent to Kwajalein in the Marshall Islands. On this small island, separated from his family and while serving his country, he began the quest to find the love of his life!

In response to a newspaper article asking supporters to write letters to the military personnel (away from home), Miss Mary Elizabeth Turner submitted a letter with a small picture. The many letters from home were set out on a table for the GI's to take and write to "someone" back home. Leo Boutin picked one letter & photograph, and ONLY one, to begin his correspondence.

The letters continued to be exchanged between Leo and Mary for 2 years while Leo was stationed on Kwajalein, and then while he was stationed in Oahu, Hawaii. Leo was ready to return home and was considering skipping his scheduled meeting with Mary in Utah. That is until Mary made an emergency phone call while Leo was on duty in a formal guard mount for a high-level dignitary. Leo learned when he promised Mary something it was in his best interest to follow through!

It had to have been God who divinely designed Leo and Mary's love story. They were married on March 13,1957 (nearly 65 years ago!). They had five children, all currently living: Katrina Maria (husband, Jody Rehbein), Colleen Marie (husband, Doug Michalk), Kurt Alan (wife, Karen Jarmush), Eric Leo (wife, Karen Lindsey) and Leona Mary (husband, Keith Svetlik). He was later blessed with 8 grandchildren: Logan Boutin, Luke Boutin, Benjamin Boutin, Joshua Boutin, Kelsey Lindsey, Cody Lindsey, Samantha Svetlik, and Abby Svetlik. The Lord kept the blessings coming with 5 great grandchildren: Aiden Boutin, Jeremiah Boutin, Judah Boutin, William Boutin and Myra Williams.

Leo is best remembered for how he greatly LOVED Jesus, his wife, his family, and his many friends. He made each and every one of us feel as if we were his first priority, as he always made time for us and prayed with us and for us!

Then, there was Leo's love for the United States Marine Corps!

Capt Leo C Boutin, USMC Retired (1952-1973). He was a Mustang (meaning that he came up the ranks to temporary Captain and permanent rank of Marine Gunner - only 5 Marines held this unique Warrant Officer Rank when he was active military). Leo retired as Captain.

Leo served our country during the Korean conflict and 2 tours to Vietnam during the (Vietnam) War. In Da Nang, Vietnam, he was assigned to control supporting arms (Artillery, Naval Gunfire, and Air Strikes) as an Aerial Observer (AO). The US Army, the USAir Force, and even the South Vietnamese pilots would take him airborne in order to support the ground troops (on enemy target missions) from an airborne platform. He flew primarily in the OV-10 airplane, but there were numerous others. He would tell the story that he much preferred the Marine pilots as they would better insure protection for the ground forces. As he told this story, he liked to add language so that children would understand what he did in Vietnam. He would explain that he was one of the Marines that would bring the powerful BIG GUNS to support the ground troops in accomplishing their missions. He served proudly and will always be a United States Marine! Semper Fi!

After serving 21 years in the USMC, Leo’s civilian life was incredibly successful. He built several carpet cleaning businesses, most notably AAAction Carpet Cleaners and A-OK Carpet Cleaners, as well as being associated with multiple janitorial cleaning businesses. He then transitioned into life and health insurance where he built a very prosperous independent insurance agency.

Leo talked about retirement, however he NEVER stopped working as he tried his very best to be a contributor to his wife, his children, his grandchildren, his great grandchildren, his church, and all active military troops. Even at 86 years young, he aspired to start another business in order to remain productive. He had a most incredible and admirable work ethic!

Leo was not Leo without LOTS of laughter, lots of activity, talking galore, and LOADS of FUN! We recall him saying, "When I die, don't be sad .... have a PARTY!". We will remember him with the greatest of love in our hearts as we continue our life journeys, and we ask for the Lord's bountiful grace so that we may join him one day in everlasting life!

It is with deep gratitude that the family thanks you for celebrating and honoring the life of our beloved Leo.

A visitation for Leo will be held Monday, February 28, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home, 14501 North Ih-35, Pflugerville, TX 78660. A rosary service will occur Monday, February 28, 2022 from 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM, 14501 North Ih-35, Pflugerville, TX 78660. A celebration of life will occur Monday, February 28, 2022 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, 14501 North Ih-35, Pflugerville, TX 78660. A funeral service will occur Monday, February 28, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at St. Albert the Great, 12041 Bittern Hollow, Austin, TX 78758.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Leo's memory may be made to Folds of Honor Central Texas, PO Box 163476 , Austin, Texas 78716 US, https://secure3.convio.net/fohf/site/Donation2;jsessionid=00000000.app30040a?idb=1458373583&df_id=4320&4320.donation=form1&mfc_pref=T&NONCE_TOKEN=A152F82741A711B5004BC7CEB56F228E&idb=988559878.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com for the Boutin family.