[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 81 (Wednesday, June 4, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1127]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           TRIBUTE TO MR. WAYNE BUTLER AND MR. JOHN SPARKMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ROY BLUNT

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 4, 2003

  Mr. BLUNT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the memories 
of two individuals who made important contributions to Missouri 
agriculture, Wayne Butler and John Sparkman. As friends and neighbors, 
these men will be remembered for the indelible impression they left on 
Missouri's farmsteads and ranches.
  These men exemplified the strength of our Nation through their 
passion for community involvement. Wayne was a cattleman and forage 
producer who understood the importance of community service. John was a 
dairyman and outspoken advocate for issues impacting Missouri 
agriculture.
  Over the years, southwest Missouri and I benefited greatly from the 
leadership, wise counsel and combined experience of Wayne and John. 
Both men served as the president of the Greene County Missouri Farm 
Bureau Chapter and as members of my Southwest Missouri Agriculture/
Agri-Business Advisory Committee.
  Thomas Jefferson said, ``The spirit of our citizens will make this 
government in practice what it is in principle, a model for the 
protection of man in a state of freedom and order.'' Wayne and John 
were men of faith, family and community. They will be missed; however, 
their love and dedication to Missouri agriculture will endure.

                          ____________________