Leslie F. Boling

Leslie Francis "Les" Boling, 79, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family. Born on May 12, 1947, in Terre Haute, Indiana, Les was the son of Frederick William Boling (1917-1995) and Martha Pearl Rector Boling (1923-1958). He was named in honor of two of his father's wartime friends, a fitting beginning for a man whose life would be defined by loyalty, friendship, service, and devotion to others.

After the loss of his mother at a young age, Les and his family moved to the small community of Riley, Indiana. It was there that he developed the strong work ethic that would guide him throughout his life. As a young boy, he helped local farmers bale hay, complete chores, and tend to the daily demands of farm life, including working for Earl Clingerman. It was there that he developed a lifelong appreciation for the delicious meals prepared by Hazel Clingerman. More importantly, Riley became the place where Les formed many lifelong friendships that he cherished throughout his years.

Les graduated from Gerstmeyer High School in 1965 and continued his education in Louisville, Kentucky, earning a degree in Electronics in 1967. Following graduation, he moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he began his career with Collins Radio. His plans were soon interrupted when he was drafted to serve his country during the Vietnam era.

Choosing service in the United States Navy, Les specialized in electronics and served honorably from 1968 to 1972. As an Electronics Technician Second Class (ETN2, E-5) aboard the USS Sample, he was responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing critical communication, cryptographic, and teletype equipment. His military service took him around the world, including assignments in Vietnam, Greece, Hawaii, and numerous ports in between.

Like many veterans, Les carried stories from those years. One favorite tale involved a case of beer that somehow found its way aboard ship for him and his buddies. After being discovered and confiscated by a superior officer, the beer was later returned—a small gesture of respect for a sailor who had earned the admiration of those around him. His superiors repeatedly encouraged him to reenlist, but Les always had the same response: he would do so only if they could guarantee he would be stationed in Riley, Indiana. Eventually they realized Riley was nowhere near a large body of water, and Les came home.

While home on leave during his Navy service, he rekindled a friendship with Martha Lee Clingerman. Before returning to duty, he told her simply, "Wait on me." She did.

Upon his honorable discharge, Les returned home to Riley and married Martha on November 2, 1973, in her parents' home with family as witnesses. Their honeymoon took them to Fort Wayne, Indiana, where Les attended pole climbing school as he began what would become a long and successful career with GTE, later known as Verizon. Together, Les and Martha built a home near her parents and just a mile from his father, creating a life rooted in family, friendship, and community.

On March 29, 1977, they welcomed their daughter, Amanda Lee (Boling) McGuirk, who became one of the great joys and proudest accomplishments of his life.

For more than three decades, Les worked for GTE, installing and repairing telephone systems throughout the region. His expertise ranged from single-line residential service to large PBX systems and advanced digital communications. He was known for his knowledge, dependability, and willingness to help others solve problems. Beyond his profession, he was a skilled carpenter, plumber, electrician, and natural problem solver. If something was broken, Les usually knew how to fix it.

Following retirement from GTE, he continued working as Maintenance Supervisor for the Wabash Valley Fair Association from 2004 to 2007 and later served as an electrician at Indiana State University until changes in his health finally encouraged him to slow down.

Les was a dedicated member of Riley Lodge #390 F&AM, York Rite, and Scottish Rite. He served as a Past Master Mason and valued the principles of brotherhood, integrity, and service throughout his life.

In his younger years, he enjoyed golfing, bowling, playing euchre, history, and reading. He was an avid follower of politics and lived for his annual fishing trips to Canada with close friends. He also enjoyed gathering with friends at The Riley Grill and Reese's Pump and Pantry, where coffee, conversation, and storytelling were often as important as the destination ahead.

Among all of his accomplishments, nothing brought Les greater pride than his family. He was especially proud of his grandchildren, Justin Lee Baumunk and Madison Lee Baumunk. After many years of enjoying life with his grandson Justin, he often talked about how much he hoped for a granddaughter. When Madison arrived, she quickly became one of the lights of his life. He was also proud of his step-grandchildren, Kylee McGuirk and Justin McGuirk.

Les is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Martha Lee Boling; his daughter, Amanda Lee McGuirk and husband Dr. Douglas McGuirk; grandson Justin Lee Baumunk and wife Leah; granddaughter Madison Lee Baumunk; great-granddaughter Adelyn Lee Baumunk, born in December 2025; step-grandchildren Justin McGuirk and Kylee McGuirk; sister Nancy Wood and husband Ernie; nephews Oliver Wood and wife Darce, and Jason Wood and wife Jeanette; great nieces Jasmine and Alyssa Wood; former son-in-law Daniel Lee Baumunk and wife Amanda; and many extended family members and treasured friends.

He is also survived by dear friends Charlie Bonar, Kenny Baker, Steve Jones, John Keaton, Mary Corthum, and countless others whose lives were enriched by his friendship over the years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick William Boling and Martha Pearl Rector Boling, and his in-laws, Earl and Hazel Clingerman.

To truly know Les, however, was to understand that his life cannot be measured only by dates, jobs, titles, or accomplishments. His favorite poem was The House by the Side of the Road by Sam Walter Foss. In many ways, that poem was the story of his life.

Les was the man who noticed when someone needed help. He was the man who stopped to lend a hand, offer advice, share a tool, tell a story, or simply listen. He believed neighbors mattered, friendships mattered, and that a person's word still meant something. He loved this country deeply, served it proudly, and never lost faith in the values of hard work, kindness, and personal responsibility.

If you knew Les, you knew exactly what was on his mind. He spoke honestly, laughed easily, worked tirelessly, and loved fiercely. He was a natural jokester who could find humor in almost any situation and always seemed to know just the right thing to say to make people laugh. Whether he was telling a story, sharing one of his many jokes, or gently teasing family and friends, he brought smiles wherever he went. His sense of humor was one of the many ways he connected with people and made them feel at ease. He would give the shirt off his back to help someone in need. He never met a stranger for long, and he treasured the relationships he built throughout his life. He believed people should help one another, and he lived that belief every day.

His family hopes that when people remember Les, they remember not only what he built with his hands, but also what he built in the lives of others: friendships that lasted decades, a family that adored him, and a reputation for kindness, compassion, humanity, and generosity.

Like the man in his favorite poem, Les spent his life being "a friend to man," and because of that, the road is better for all who traveled it beside him.

Lovingly written by his daughter, Amanda

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Callahan & Hughes Funeral Home with Masonic Rites beginning at 7:30 p.m. A funeral ceremony will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the funeral home with Rev. Paul Carey officiating. Les will be laid to rest in Oak Hill Cemetery with military honors.