[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 144 (Thursday, September 11, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1772]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING TANNER BOYNTON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RUSS CARNAHAN

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 11, 2008

  Mr. CARNAHAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a 
constituent, Tanner Boynton, who tragically died, Friday, August 1, 
2008, at the far too young age of 13, playing baseball, a game that he 
loved dearly.
  Tanner was warming up by playing catch before tournament play when he 
became distracted and was tragically hit in the back of the neck with a 
baseball.
  I did not have the opportunity to get to know Tanner before learning 
of his death, but like much of the community I learned a great deal 
about him after he was suddenly taken away from his teammates, friends 
and family.
  Tanner played first base and outfield for the De Soto Express, which 
ended the season in first place. He was preparing to enter the eighth 
grade at De Soto Junior High.
  Friends and family describe Tanner as mature beyond his age.
  After his coach approached him about playing for the traveling team, 
Tanner had one condition: ``I can't play during the week past 8 p.m. 
because I have to go to school the next day, and I'm really into my 
school situation.''
  When Tanner's grandmother gave him $5 to spend for himself he instead 
chose to drop it into a Salvation Army bucket.
  At the age of 13, Tanner already had big plans in life including 
starting his own business using heavy equipment, making his sudden 
death even more tragic.
  This young boy has brought together a team and community like no one 
could have ever imagined; he will not be forgotten. Tanner will be 
memorialized with an Arnold Athletic Association baseball diamond named 
in his honor as well as the De Soto Express Tanner Boynton Scholarship 
Fund awarded to De Soto High School graduating seniors who excel 
academically and play baseball.
  I extend my deepest condolences to Tanner's family.

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