| Michael Tanton was raised in a home directly behind a store my husband owned and operated in Hardin. I have known Michael since he was probably 3 years old and loved him immediately. Even as a child, Michael was mischievously sweet and very loving. My memories of Michael are so clear, I can easily picture Michael's face and feel his outgoing, vibrant personality. You could not be with or around Michael and not be drawn to the smile that would light up the room. My last visit with Michael was a week to ten days before his death. Michael described the movie "Scary Movie" to the point I would not have to watch it and now after his death I will not be able to watch it. We had talked and laughed so much, I felt I was there with him. We lost a tremendous young man with Michael's death. Michael is missed greatly. (Judy Rulon) I am writing on behalf of Mike Tanton to share my feelings about the kind of person he was and what kind of impact he had on me and others. He was on of a kind. Mike was a person that no one talked bad about or could find anything wrong with. He was always smiling and always looked at things on a positive note. No matter what went on he always could find something good about anything. He always put everyone else before himself. I was his basketball coach and youth leader in the church and he would have to be one of my inspirations in my life and also to his peers. He was active in our church more so than many others. He was involved in the basketball team for the church where he displayed a wonderful sense of working together as a team and how to be a good sport. He would make sure that everyone felt good about themselves and would give them encouragement when they made a mistake. He lived a healthy, clean, and pure life. He was going to serve a mission for the church and be able to spread his glowing spirit to the world. He would have been able to bring a smile and hope to so many more people. He will always have a special place in my heart and I will always remember him. There will be many people that will remember and many more that will miss Mike Tanton. He was truly one of a kind. (Casey Birge and Family) I am writing this letter as a statement of knowledge of the much loved Michael Tanton. Michael cam from a family that is widely known, admired, and respected in our community. I knew Michael since he was a young boy. He was a fun-loving child and adolescent. He was always ready to share a laugh or a load-whatever need might arise. He was level headed and considerate. Michael was a devoted son and family member. He could I've seen working and helping his family on a daily basics. He was always caring and never too luisy to speech and share the wonderful smile that our Heavenly Father endowed him with. As a teacher and church youth director, I had numerous occasious to watch Michael interact with his peers. He had many friends. He seemed comfortable around everyone. If he passed by and save a game of volleyball or basketball, he was sure to stop and join in. I do not recall ever seeing Michael ill at ease or uncomfortable. He was exemplory in his deportment. After speaking to him for only a few minutes it was clear to anyone that he was a Christian young man. Michael Tanton was a member of this community. As a christian and active churched member he fulfilled his duty. As a brother, son, grandson, great-grandson, nephew and friend, he did the same. In this country, we raise our children to meet their responsibilities. We teach them that duty is a matter of honor. In life, Michael met and exceded his duty. He was a fine young man whose tender life held much promise. Even his occupation spoke volumes about his character. He chose a job that allowed him to help others. At the moment of his death, he was helping a stranded mother and her children. Michael gave all. Now that he is gone, who will step in and render aid? Just as duty and responsibilitywere a part of Michael's life, so should they be a part of everyone's. Along with free choice comes responsibility for our actions. The laws of our land hold us accountable. The message that alcohol and automobiles are a lethal combination is an of repeated on. Americans have been warned repeatedly. I personally wish that Clyde Balderidge had never taken a drink. I wish he had been responsible enough to realize that he was unfit to drive that day I cannot, however change history. But, the courts can determine the outcome. Just as Michael was a responsible man in life. Now it is time for Mr. Baldridge to take responsibility for Michael's death. (Bonita Ardoin) Michael Tanton, was a young man I knew from the day he was born until the night he was killed. I knew him quite well, because he lived two houses from me in a small town. He was a very kind and loving person. Michael had tiem for everyone, the old and the young. He would do anything he could to help anyone I know because I called on him for help. He took life as it was dished out to him, with a big smile. Not a bad word about anyone. While he was in High School, he would get up and go to his church at 5:30 a.m. He was very active in his church. And to talk, you knew he loved the Lord with all his heart. He was also very active in sports during school. He also work in town for extra money he might need. One special night stands out so much, in my mind. This was the night he graduated from Hardin High School. This was the first time we had Project Graduation. I work Project Graduation at the table, where they had to registered, and turn their car keys. There were three boys behind Michael, that didn't want to leave their keys. He talked them into staying. I knew that the boys used drugs and alchol. But with his influence on them, they stayed all night, in a safe place. When they left at 9:00 a.m. they said that they were glad they stayed, because they had a good time. Michael never use of drugs or alchol to harm his body. My personal time with Michael was very special. He was the tyep that if he needed to talk, he would come and say I need to talk. The last time I saw and talked to Michael, was on Sunday, before he was killed on a Friday night. We sat and talked about his future he would say how is it going at school? Then he would say how are you doing, because I had lost my husband, after a long illness. When he was ready to leave, he smiled big and said if you ever need me just call. Then he kiss me on the check, said I love you. This is a very special young man that lost his life way before his time. (Frances Koen) I had the privilege of knowing Michael Tanton for the four years he was in high school. As an employee of the school system where he attended school, I observed several traits commendable in a young man. He was always willing to lend a helping hand whether it be running an errand for a teacher or just giving encouragement to one of his peers. You always saw Michael smiling with only positive things to say. He was polite and ambitious. You could always count on Michael to do what you ask him to do. In closing, there was one trait that I observed that stood out more than others: Michael had been taught that to get respect you had to give respect. (Patty Roberts) My name is William Bradley Long and I am the Director of Bands for Hardin I.S.D. During my 9 years of teaching, it has been a privlege to instruct many great students. Some students fade from your memory, while others seem to leave a lasting impression. Even a few can be said to make the teacher a better person. Michael Tanton is one that I would place in this last category. He loved music. He loved life. I can't remember any day that he did not smile and have something positive to say about everyone he met. He cared for so many and was always willing to help. When he graduated it was both a happy and sad time for me. I knew I would miss him, yet I knew that the adult world was getting a fine addition. His untimely death hurt me deeply and I am sure that everyone who knew him feels the same. (W.B. Long) Mike Tanton was my student several years ago. He rented an apartment from me, so I knew him quite well. Mike was a fun-loving, out-going person who enjoyed life itself. He had a great personality and was involved in band, football, track and many academic programs in Hardin High School. When I heard of the terrible loss to his family, I grieved also. Mike is missed for many reasons, but most of all, he was loved and he loved in return. There is no way to place a value on a person, but, if it could be done, Mike Tanton would be placed near the top. The community of Hardin, Texas has suffered a great loss. Today, we are less because Mike Tanton is not here. (Gideon H. Watson) |
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