Francis R Boutwell, Jr.

Francis R. Boutwell, Jr.

April 4, 1947~February 20, 2021

Francis (Frank) Boutwell, Jr. of Newport, NH passed away on February 20, 2021 at the Jack Byrne Center in Lebanon, NH after nothing less than a courageous and heroic battle with lung cancer. He was born on April 4, 1947 and was the son of the late Beatrice (Provost) and Francis R. Boutwell, Sr.

He attended schools in Newport and graduated from Towle High School, Newport, NH in 1965. Upon graduation from high school, he joined the U.S. Air Force for 4 years and was stationed in the state of Washington. He then returned to New England and joined the VT National Guard and then later the NH National Guard, 744th Transportation Company. During this time, he was ordered to Active Duty in support of Desert Storm from 1990-1991. He was the recipient of many ribbons, medals and badges before retiring with an Honorable Discharge after 22 years of service. 

While following his calling for being a member of the US military, Frank’s career path also included working at Goodyear in Windsor, VT after he returned to New England before beginning to work first in the foundry at Sturm, Ruger & Co. and then later transferring across the river to be a Machinist. He retired in 2009 after 35 years of service. After retirement, he enjoyed working seasonally with his sister-in-law, Loretta, doing landscaping with United Construction Corp. for 10 years. Once his grandsons, Lawson and Landon Boucher, entered high school, they too worked for United Construction right alongside him for the past few Summers.

When he wasn’t working, Frank enjoyed spending time with his family, all things military   and watching football, baseball and Nascar racing on TV. His grandchildren brought him great joy. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and provider and showed great strength throughout all the days of his life.

Survivors include his wife of almost 53 years, Mary (Caron) Boutwell, sons Wayne Boutwell and his wife, Ursula; Steven Boutwell and his significant other, Kerry and daughter Michelle Boucher and her husband, Lance; two siblings, Margaret Wunder and Barry Boutwell; Sister-in-laws Janet Robillard, Nancy Santti and Loretta Whipple and husband, Cary; brother-in-law, David Gokey, six grandchildren Mitchell, Nikolas and Nathan Boutwell, Lawson and Landon Boucher and Bayn Harris along with several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.  He was predeceased by his infant grandson, Lorne Boucher, and a sister, Sharon Gokey.

The family will schedule a full military burial in the Pine Grove Cemetery followed by a Celebration of Life in the Summer of 2021 due to Covid precautions.

A private message of sympathy for the family can be shared online with the Newton-Bartlett Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Jack Byrne Center at 154 Loop Road, Lebanon, NH  03756 or the White River Junction VA Hospital at 163 Veteran's Drive, White River Junction, VT 05009. 

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