G. Leon Beutler

G. Leon Beutler, beloved Husband, Father and Grandfather passed away on April 29, 2014, at Logan Regional Hospital. Leon was born, September 18, 1926, in Smithfield, Utah to George Leon Beutler and Venna Nielsen Beutler. He was a brother to William Beutler. He grew up in Smithfield and attended public schools in the Cache County School District. He graduated from North Cache High School in 1944. Shortly after his graduation he enlisted in the United States Navy. He trained as a radio operator and was stationed in Guam until the end of World War II. After being discharged from the Navy, he became a member of the United States Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corp until his discharge in 1961. He served his country with honor for 17 years of his life. On December 17, 1949 he married his sweetheart, Jeanne Trimble. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Logan LDS Temple.
Leon attended Utah State University and graduated in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Commerce. He was also a proud member of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. In 1959, he received his Master's Degree in School Administration also from Utah State. His career as an educator began in East Carbon, Utah formerly Dragerton in 1949. In 1954, he accepted a position in the College of Education at Utah State University with Audio-Visual Services. He later became a Professor in the Department of Instructional Media and Library Science. In 1983, he was named professor of the year at Utah State University. Leon served as a member of the Board of Directors and President of the Audio-Visual Instructors and Directors of Utah. He was also a member of the National Association for Educational Communication and Technology and the Utah Educational Media Association. He received numerous awards for his many contributions to the College of Education at Utah State University during a career which spanned 34 years.
Leon was a life-long loyal Aggie. He held season tickets to Aggie Football and Basketball games for most of his adult life. When he could no longer attend the games, he never missed watching his Aggies on television. Sports lover that he was, he also followed the Utah Jazz, professional golf and the National Football League. Leon also loved to go fishing. He and his best friend, Dr. Eldon Drake, went on many fishing expeditions to Cokeville, Wyoming. He also tied his own flies, one of which he named, "The Big Ugly". He was also an avid hunter and spent time hunting ducks, pheasants and deer with friends and family. Leon was a member of the Logan golf and Country Club for many years. He made four holes-in-one, built, repaired and refinished golf clubs and spent many happy hours on the golf course with his family and friends.
Leon was an expert landscaper and took great pride in his yard. He was recognized by the City of Smithfield for his contribution to the beautification of the city. He was also quite a handyman and built two homes with the help of his Father, Brother and Uncle Ott Beutler. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Smithfield 11th Ward. He served in many church callings and worked as an officiator at the Logan Temple.
Leon is survived by his wife, Jeanne T. Beautler, and their family of two sons: Brad Leon Beutler Susan and Paul Kris Beutler Tammy; six grandchildren, David George Beutler, Anne Michelle Bernstein Zac, Jon Michael Beutler Mara, Parker Steven Beutler, Bobbi Kae McBride Jason and Lexi Anne Irribarra Chris; and six great grandchildren: Samuel Zachary Bernstein, Abigail Jane Bernstein, Alexis Chase Beutler, Zoe Mae Beutler, Mitchel Bradley Beutler and Harlie Kae McBride. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, William Beutler.
A graveside service will be held at the Smithfield Cemetery, 300 E. Center St. Smithfield, Utah on Saturday, May 3, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. Prior to the graveside service, a viewing will be held at Nelson Funeral Home, 85 South Main Street, Smithfield Utah from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Condolences may be sent online to www.nelsonfuneralhome.com .