Fallen Marine To Be Remembered In Burleson
BURLESON (CBSDFW.COM) -- A North Texas Marine who was shot and killed at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina last week will be laid to rest today in Burleson.
Lance Cpl. Mark Boterf of Crowley, 21, died when a fellow guard's gun discharged, striking Boterf in the chest. The shooting occurred while the two Marines were on sentry duty at Camp Lejeune's main gate. Boterf was filling in for another Marine, who was on leave to get married.
Investigators say the shooting was accidental.
Those who knew Boterf best say he died doing what he loved.
"He didn't join to sit behind a desk," said his mother, Amy Boterf. "He joined, every day, I want to go over there and I want to save people."
Boterf and his twin brother joined the Marines, following in their older brother's footsteps, after graduating from Crowley High School in 2011. He is one of 10 kids.
"Mark dedicated his life to serving and making people happy," said his brother, Joseph Boterf. "Last time he spoke to our family he said, 'I try to make people smile as they pass through the gate to make their day better.'"
A celebration of Boterf's life will begin at 11:00 a.m. at Alsbury Baptist Church in Burleson.
The family says flowers are appreciated, but they would prefer all contributions be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.
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