TN TN - Gary R Boutilier, 19, Millington, 17 June 1978

[MadMcGoo]

The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs)

Gary R Boutilier
Missing Person / NamUs #MP75707
Date of Last Contact: June 17, 1978
Missing From: Millington, Shelby County, Tennessee
Sex: Male
Race / Ethnicity: White / Caucasian
Missing Age: 19 Years
Height: 5' 5" - 6' 3" (65 - 75 Inches)
Weight: 150 - 230 lbs
Hair Color: Brown
Eye Color: Unknown
Circumstances of Disappearance: Boutilier was a Marine last seen leaving Millington Naval Air Station on June 17, 1978. He had bought a new motorcycle and said he was going to ride some rural roads in Shelby Park.

(There are photos but I’m having trouble attaching them. If someone would be so kind as to do so!)

 

[StarrChance]

So sad for the family he was never found <mod edit: replaced screenshots with links to newspaper clippings>

Gary Boutilier November 26, 1984 A

Clipping found in The Boston Globe published in Boston, Massachusetts on 11/26/1984. Gary Boutilier November 26, 1984 A

www.newspapers.com

Gary Boutilier November 26, 1984 B

Clipping found in The Boston Globe published in Boston, Massachusetts on 11/26/1984. Gary Boutilier November 26, 1984 B

www.newspapers.com

1984

 

[Nancy Drew RN]

Parents Plan Search For Missing Marine Son - UPI Archives

Gary Boutilier Sep 26, 1983 - Newspapers.com

Gary Boutilier September 5, 1978 - Newspapers.com

 

[Beekarina]

Hmm....where he was a Marine, I wonder why such a wide range for his height & weight? Wouldn't there be an official record somewhere?

 

[Beccalicious]

Bumping

 

[victoriarobinson642]

 

[HopeRains]

Listed as leaving Millington Naval Air Base - Millington mappoints shown below, as well as area west known as Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park, which I believe is the referenced park. The park abuts the Mississippi River which separates the state borders of Tennessee and Arkansas.

 

[Beccalicious]

Bumping

 

[apearn]

What do we think of this potential match? The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs)

Unidentified Person / NamUs #UP5157
Male, Multiple
Date Body Found June 21, 1978
Location Found Helena, Arkansas
Estimated Age Range20-40 Years

Circumstances of Recovery: This victim was found floating in the Mississippi River, 20 minutes south of Helena, Arkansas.

---

Not recognizable - Decomposing/putrefaction​

Clothing: 1 tattered remnant of a waist band of a pair of blue denim pants, and 1 black to green colored belt with a brass type belt buckle (belt length is 39 1/2")

Footwear: 1 black sock and 1 green colored work boot size large
On the Body

 

[MadMcGoo]

What do we think of this potential match? The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs)

Unidentified Person / NamUs #UP5157
Male, Multiple
Date Body Found June 21, 1978
Location Found Helena, Arkansas
Estimated Age Range20-40 Years

Circumstances of Recovery: This victim was found floating in the Mississippi River, 20 minutes south of Helena, Arkansas.

---

Not recognizable - Decomposing/putrefaction​

Clothing: 1 tattered remnant of a waist band of a pair of blue denim pants, and 1 black to green colored belt with a brass type belt buckle (belt length is 39 1/2")

Footwear: 1 black sock and 1 green colored work boot size large
On the Body

I think it’s possible. If he had an accident in the park and somehow ended up in the Mississippi River, his body would have likely traveled south (according to Google). He’d be worth submitting IMO!

 

[Caring1]

Also was here to suggest this same unidentified male UP5157. Wonder if the belt described may have been a military belt, something like below. Black to green with a brass type buckle.

 

[MadMcGoo]

Also was here to suggest this same unidentified male UP5157. Wonder if the belt described may have been a military belt, something like below. Black to green with a brass type buckle.

View attachment 503611

I was thinking the same about the “green colored work boot”.

 

[MadMcGoo]

I found a little more info about the UID, which would seem to rule out Gary.

UP5157 Unidentified male 1978 AR

Clipping found in The Daily World published in Helena, Arkansas on 6/22/1978. UP5157 Unidentified male 1978 AR

www.newspapers.com

UP5157 Unidentified male 1978 AR

Clipping found in The Twin City Tribune published in West Helena, Arkansas on 6/28/1978. UP5157 Unidentified male 1978 AR

www.newspapers.com

The body was discovered about 45 miles south of Helena, had been in the water for about 2 years or more, and had been “sanded over” for some period of time. He was thought to be a white male, 30-40 years old, 70 inches tall and weighing between 160-180 pounds.

 

[Caring1]

I found a little more info about the UID, which would seem to rule out Gary.

UP5157 Unidentified male 1978 AR

Clipping found in The Daily World published in Helena, Arkansas on 6/22/1978. UP5157 Unidentified male 1978 AR

www.newspapers.com

UP5157 Unidentified male 1978 AR

Clipping found in The Twin City Tribune published in West Helena, Arkansas on 6/28/1978. UP5157 Unidentified male 1978 AR

www.newspapers.com

The body was discovered about 45 miles south of Helena, had been in the water for about 2 years or more, and had been “sanded over” for some period of time. He was thought to be a white male, 30-40 years old, 70 inches tall and weighing between 160-180 pounds.

Thank you for finding that. Interesting that NamUs states PMI death year as 1978.