[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 141 (Friday, August 6, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E874]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO MELVIN BORTON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 6, 2021

  Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember the life and 
accomplishments of Melvin Borton. Mel passed from this life on July 16 
at the age of 94, having dedicated six decades to the betterment of 
farmers in Ohio and across this Nation through his skilled leadership 
with the Ohio Farmers Union and National Farmers Union.
  Mel's passion for agriculture began at an early age. He grew up on a 
family farm, where he helped his brother cultivate everything from 
tomatoes to wheat. In 1948, four years after his graduation from 
Chesterfield High School, Mel began a fanning operation of his own and 
joined the Farmers Union.
  By the end of the 1960's, Mel pursued a new endeavor: lifting up the 
voices of his fellow farmers as a National Farmers Union leader. He 
served as both a regional director and the national director of 
organization and field services for the National Farmers Union before 
returning to Ohio to serve as the Ohio Farm Union's director of 
marketing.
  After nearly two decades of service to the Ohio Farm Union, Mel 
Borton served as the state committee Chairman of the United States 
Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency. In this role, he 
advocated for farmers enrolled in federal farm programs.
  Without his efforts, the National Farmers Union and Ohio Farm Union 
wouldn't be what they are today. In 2013, Mr. Borton's tremendous 
efforts were recognized by the National Farmers Union as they awarded 
him its Meritorious Service Award--the top award bestowed by the 
organization--for his contributions to agriculture, humanity, and the 
union.
  Despite his numerous accolades and accomplishments, Mel Borton was a 
humble and soft-spoken gentleman. Ungregarious by nature, he cared most 
about looking out for the most vulnerable among us, recognizing that 
our communities are only as strong as their weakest link. His 
vigilance, perseverance, and compassion were palpable during our 
frequent visits.
  Everyone who had the pleasure and privilege of knowing Mel Borton 
knew that he, above all else, was utterly passionate about agriculture 
and the plight of small farmers. He made sure others were taken care of 
before himself and lived a life a true service.
  Melvin Borton's legacy will live on forever through those that he 
touched throughout his life. The great state of Ohio and our Nation are 
better because of his contributions. To his wife, Linda, his family and 
friends, we offer our deepest condolences as they mourn the loss of 
this treasure of a man.

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