Michael Jerome Tanner

Very beautiful manuscript written for Mike's services by Rev. Dr. Dennis Patience, Pastor at Barry Christian Church

Celebration of Life Service For Michael “Mike” Jerome Tanner Saturday, October 27, 2018 Visitation from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Service at 11:00 a.m. Barry Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 1500 NW Barry Road Kansas City, MO 64118 Telephone: 816-436-0462 Rev. Dr. Dennis Patience, Officiating Pastor Order of Service Opening Scripture Revelation 21:1-4 Opening Prayer Remembrances of Mike Turner Pastor Dennis Special Music Live Like You Are Dying by Tim McGraw Scripture Acts 20:7-12 Message Covered and Resurrected By the Body of Christ Pastor Dennis Special Music When I Get To Where I’m Going by Brad Paisley Closing Scripture I Peter 1:3-5 Closing Prayer   Celebration of Life Service For Michael “Mike” Jerome Tanner Saturday, October 27, 2018 Visitation from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Service at 11:00 a.m. Barry Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 1500 NW Barry Road Kansas City, MO 64118 Telephone: 816-436-0462 Rev. Dr. Dennis Patience, Officiating Pastor Welcome Pastor Dennis Welcome to this worship service in which we are honored to celebrate the life or our loved one and life-long friend, Mike Tanner. We certainly feel a measure of loss with Mike’s untimely departure, but we also acknowledge that Mike’s spirit now dwells in the realm of God’s glory, freed from the bondage of pain, disability and physical limitations. Today, as we embrace our relationship with our loving God, we know that for Mike, death is not an end; but merely a portal into the richness of God’s eternal kingdom. For as the Apostle John declared in the Book of Revelation 21:1-4: [1] Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first Heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. [2] I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Opening Prayer Assembled in your house of worship O God, may each of us find solace in our fellowship with one another; strength and renewal from our sorrows as your holy scriptures guide us and as we especially this morning honor the memory of our loved one and life-long friend, Mike Tanner. As Mike’s spirit is now freed by the everlasting grace of your love, may our hearts be freed from the burden of sorrow as we embrace the truth that Mike now resides in the care of your eternal realm. Guide us in our thoughts and prayers as we find comfort in your spirit’s guidance and in our embrace of one another. In Christ, we claim the victory over death and the hope of life eternal. Amen. Remembrances of Mike Turner Pastor Dennis The youngest of three children, Michael Jerome Tanner was born here in Kansas City into the family of Jerry and Pat Tanner on the 18th of June in 1978. It was in 1987 that Pat married Gary and the kids grew up in a house on 83rd street here in the Northland. With his older brother, Ronnie and older sister, Rhonda, it can be said with certainty that Mike was the feisty one of the bunch. Early in school a Clardy Elmentary, followed by New Mark Middle School and Oak Park High School, Mike was one of a circle of friends that has lasted the course of his lifetime. Even though Mike possessed significant intelligence and could easily make the grade as he applied himself in the classroom, Mike and the rules of the educational realm never seemed to be a good fit. Always a rather intense and driven soul, as Mike often found himself wandering and getting himself into mischief in his early years, it seemed that Mike Tanner needed to find himself. Beginning with a red 90’s era Mustang and learning to tinker with cars and engines, Mike began to find a meaningful outlet and demolition derby cars and drag racing seemed to be a road that provided direction. But it was actually when his friend, Tyee, took a car of his over to Yancy Shepherd on North Oak Street and Mike was simply along for the ride; that this is where and with whom, Mike began to settle into his life-long destiny. Yancy was into high performance engines and into circle track racing in a big way and Yancy became a mentor for Mike who helped him learn how to focus on hard work, how to turn wrenches and how to begin racing on the circuit. Mike was always sharp with math and numbers and combining these gifts with the science of racing that he learned from Yancy and others - Mike became a natural behind the wheel. Racing became the focus Mike needed and before long, Tyee and Mike and others were so bitten by the racing bug that they all found a life-long passion in circular dirt track racing around the Kansas City circuit and beyond. Crystal had always been a part of the circle of friends during those school years in the Northland, but pretending to be a rather snobby Cheerleader, she didn’ have much interest in Mike Tanner. During their freshman year at Oak Park, though; there was a time when a friend was sent over by Mike to Crystal to ask her for a date. It hurt Mike’s feeling bad, when Crystal turned him down and so for a time, their friendship was held at a distance. It was in about 1999 when the two of them were about 21 years of age, that Mike asked if he could hide out at Crystal’s house for a while as he had gotten himself in a bit of trouble and needed to lie low for a while. This sparked a closeness between the two of them and was a time in which Mike also began to take an interest in Crystal’s young son, Jayden. In time it wasn’t uncommon for Crystal to joke with Mike saying, “You’re so lucky to have me! You’re mine! All mine!” To which Mike would reply, “O, you’re just brain washing me!” By the time Jayden was five years of age, Mike was pretty much settled into Crystal and Jaden’s home life and the commitment has lasted their lifetime together. With a newfound sense of obligation to take care of a family, Mike also focused on construction in order to bring in money to take care of everyone’s needs. Mike first started as a laborer for smaller construction companies and the income also gave Mike greater opportunity to cater to his craving to build race cars and continue dirt track racing. In 2003, Mike was able to settle into a good job with Heartland Midwest Construction. At Heartland, Mike started out as a laborer, became a crew leader, a foreman and then a supervisor. Always gregarious, friendly and good for a joke or a great prank, others in the construction industry found it easy to be friends with Mike Tanner and he worked hard to establish good friendships and loyal contacts that helped the Heartland Construction Company grow from a small to a much larger and prosperous company. Mike enjoyed taking care of customers, contacts and employees and as a consequence, jobs continued to flow in. And through it all, most importantly it made Mike feel like he was being a good provider for Crystal and Jaden and also for Raelyn as she was born into the family in 2004. Of course it wasn’t long before Mike fell in love with his little girl and she certainly became a spoiled daddy’s girl who could get away with just about anything while Jayden and his cousins still found themselves having to tow the line. On many occasions, Mike would say to Raelyn, “do the dishes!” To which Raelyn would simply reply, “No!” and Mike would find himself rather instinctively replying, “OK. Whatever!” And that was the end of that household chore! As Jayden and Raelyn and nephews of the family grew up, Mike was forever faithful in his attendance at volleyball, softball and baseball games and at wrestling matches. Home parties and various gatherings at the Tanner house were a big deal for the group of friends with whom Mike and Crystal remained close well into their adult years. And to this group were added many new friends whom Mike got to know in the construction trades. Racing was still a big deal for Mike and his family and friends. Wreckers or checkers has always been Mike’s motto and his fierce competitiveness led him to a state championship and two track championships in dirt circle track racing in 2011. But the explosion that rumbled through JJ’s restaurant on the Plaza in February of 2013, making the national news; dramatically altered the lives of many families as the tragedy also certainly altered the destiny that Mike and Crystal had anticipated for themselves and their family and friends as Mike was deeply involved in the problem as he arrived for an inspection and was consequently severely injured by the eruption of the natural gas line. With fifty or so surgeries through the years, it took time for Mike to recover, to gain strength and to strive toward a measure of meaningful normalcy for himself and his family. Through all the pain and suffering though, Mike maintained his fun loving and joking mannerism and with the fierce support of his family and friends Mike took on the challenge of getting back behind the wheel of a racecar and once again winning. After learning through intense physical therapy to once again manage to get in and out of the roll cage of his race car, Mike was back into racing. It was an “all or nothing” approach for Mike and even though the aspirations of winning kept him up at night, Mike was determined that he wouldn’t be chasing the dust of other racers from the back. It was in 2015 that Mike was back in his own car and he won a feature and got the second place trophy at the Grain Valley Speedway. Tons of friends were on hand to cheer Mike on and it was here that the “Social Mike” whom so many people had learned to love and appreciate, was also resurrected from the Plaza tragedy. Driven to do even better, and as racing in the Midwest was slowing due to the onset of winter weather, Mike decided to test his recovered skills in Arizona where he once again won a first place trophy. Mike found it to be a great challenge to remain behind the wheel as the rough and tumble of the physical and mental strain of racing took a toll. One day of racing often meant several days of physical recovery and on more than one occasion Mike found himself in need of hospitalization after racing. Yet, after his experience in Arizona, Mike was determined to continue his involvement with dirt track racers as he traveled the circuits throughout the country getting the opportunity to meet many of his idols in dirt track and Nascar racing and helping to support and sponsor up and coming racers along the way. But throughout all the excitement in racing, one thing that was the truth for Mike; was that devotion to his family and close friends was always the most paramount focus of his life. Even after his step-father, Gary, died, Mike was determined to take on the roll as provider for the family, which he did with the same measure of all-in gusto that he also used behind the wheel of a car. Mentoring Jayden, Raelyn and Melvin into adulthood and being devoted to so many close friends has always been the hallmark of Mike’s determination. Once Mike found his way with the guidance of Yancy Shepherd, it seemed that Mike was determined to help others find their way as well; whether it was through the conduit of hard work in the construction fields or on the dirt track. And as a consequence, the Tanner Racing Team is the legacy that will continue to shine forth through the devotion of so many of you who have gathered to remember, celebrate and honor Mike this morning. We feel a sense of sorrow that Mike’s life was suddenly and unexpectedly taken from us this past Saturday, the 20th of October in the year of our Lord, 2018. But as you step forward with the days that our Loving God offers you, may it be with the same intensity that all of you “love large and care big,” for in doing so, you honor the best characteristics that made Mike larger than tragedy, larger than life. Mike was preceded in death by his step-father, Gary Lindsay. He is survived by his mother, Pat Lindsay; his wife, Crystal; their children, Jayden and Raylen; his siblings and nephews and by a grand host of close friends who have all gathered here in the Lord’s house to honor Mike and to celebrate his life. Cultivating connections of fierce and devoted friendships was the hallmark of Mike’s life and his legacy will continue through your endeavors to emulate the same through living loyal, honest and trustworthy lives. Special Music Live Like You Are Dying by Tim McGraw Scripture Reading Acts 20:7-12 (NIV) Pastor Dennis Eutychus Raised From the Dead at Troas 7 On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight. 8 There were many lamps in the upstairs room where we were meeting. 9 Seated in a window was a young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground from the third story and was picked up dead. 10 Paul went down, threw himself on the young man and put his arms around him. “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “He’s alive!” 11 Then he went upstairs again and broke bread and ate. After talking until daylight, he left. 12 The people took the young man home alive and were greatly comforted. Message Covered and Resurrected By the Body of Christ Pastor Dennis As we reflect upon Mike’s life and all he has meant for each of us, we are certain of one thing - that Mike loved large and cared big. One of his great gifts is the way other people congregated toward him. His laughter and joking and kidding ways were contagious. He loved helping others and being with family and friends. Mike Tanner reveled in the connections made possible through close friendships and highlighted by working for common causes in the racing circuit or simply in the pleasure of throwing a big party. When Luke the Physician tells us in the 20th chapter of Acts that he and the other believers in Christ came together on the first day of the week to “break bread” - what we often fail to realize is that these gatherings were not somber occasions with everybody dawning their Sunday best. These believers were gathering in the evening hours, after a hard day’s work. They were still in their work clothes. They were gathering in one of the wealthier believer’s upper-level apartment homes because there a large, open room could accommodate everyone. They were there to share in the food, fun and fellowship made possible because of their common bond in Jesus Christ. In Biblical times, the evening meal was always the biggest meal of the day, because everyone could finally settle down and rest, for the darkness of the evening made it virtually impossible to accomplish very many tasks by the dim illumination of small oil lamps. And for these believers to assemble together on a Sunday evening with other believers in the Christian faith - this was a festive occasion! For many of the poorer brothers and sisters in Christ, this pot-luck meal in which everybody brought what they could - this was often the biggest and heartiest meal they’d experience all week! We need to realize that these Sunday night pot-luck gatherings were great times of sharing hearty food, weak wine and laughter. It was a party time to swap jokes and stories and to catch up on the latest gossip of the community. It was a time to pause and hear the stories of Jesus and debate about how his teachings impacted their efforts to live a Christian life. What made this particular Sunday evening fellowship such a special occasion was that the Apostle Paul was there to not only share in the meal, but to also witness to the stories of great miracles and wonders that had been happening ever since he had been called by the Spirit of Christ to become a devout follower, ever since his encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus. Paul was without question, a rock star of the faith, and as many believers as possible, were crammed into this singular upper level apartment room to hear Paul’s words and to share the great fellowship and food! Even the fact that the believers had spared no expense by having a great number of lamps light up the night, was all the more a symbolic gesture of the importance and festive nature of this occasion! And as it was his last day to be with these fellow believers, Paul spoke on and on before the meal was served. The text tells us that long-winded Paul spoke so long that it was getting on toward midnight! In today’s time, our short attention span would have sent a number of people packing for home. But in these early days of the Christian church, the opportunity to absorb the wise teachings of the Apostle Paul was such a grand occasion, that all eyes and ears would have been glued on Paul’s every word. But it was, after all; getting late for these weary workers, and the text tells us that young Eutychus, who had been sitting in an open window of this upper level apartment, fell asleep and as there was nothing to support him, he fell down to the hard surface courtyard, likely many stories down. The room had been stuffy with all the people and having worked all day, Eutychus was overcome with exhaustion and he inadvertently fell out of the window. Now he was dead! No one wanted this to happen! No one expected such a tragedy to ruin the festive occasion of the Sunday evening gathering and the blessing of Paul’s presence! But it happened. And young Eutychus was dead. The young life of a curious follower of Christ was cut short! Yet, verse 10 tells us that Paul went down to the ground floor courtyard level where the lifeless body of Eutychus lie. He covered the young man’s body with his own, putting his arms completely around the lifeless body as he said to the others, “Don’t be alarmed, for his life is in him!” And the power of Christ’s healing presence, which on so many occasions had manifested itself in miraculous events that benefited others - Eutychus was brought back to life! As Eutychus was brought back to life, Paul and Eutychus and all the others went back up to the big room. They all shared a great meal, great laughter and fellowship and ended the night by sharing the bread and cup of what we today call the Lord’s Supper. It was and still is a way to remember the sacrifice Christ offered for the forgiveness of our sins, as he offers us the hope of our eternal salvation. Paul kept talking and the people conversed, the text tells us; all the way until sunrise. Then Paul departed for the next town and the people took young Euthchus home with them - alive - and verse 12 tells us “they were greatly comforted!” You can remember many an occasion in which many of you and Mike and Crystal and a host of other family members and life-long friends, have shared any number of great festive occasions. Maybe it’s been after a big race, here in town or maybe in another state. Maybe it was after finishing up work on a special car or maybe it was just a lazy Sunday afternoon, when many of you were worn and weary after being on the weekend circuit. You’ve had great times together. And hosting such events with family members and life-time friends, was what Mike really enjoyed doing for you! Loving large and caring big with close people around him. This was Mike Tanner. But as the course of human events would have it. Mike was cheated out of good health several years ago and his life was even cut short just a few days ago. Some people call such tragedies “accidents,” but just like the circumstances of young Eutychus inadvertently falling out of an upper story window to his death, “accidents” are so often the culmination of a series of miscalculated decisions or events - many of which could have been avoided. But when such circumstances collide they can create horrible, tragic circumstances, injuries - even death. We mourn the untimely death of our loved one and life-long friend, “Junior”, “June Bug,” “Mike” Tanner. And although Mike was not blessed by the miraculous presence of a fellow human being who possessed the living, healing power of Christ, as did the Apostle Paul, as he rose Eutychus from the dead during those early days of the faith; what we do know for certain is that the Body of Christ, by the grace of our loving God, covers the spiritual essence of Mike Tanner and Mike’s spirit has been resurrected into the dynamic, living presence of God’s eternal kingdom! For God loves large and cares big! And as Hebrews 12 reminds us, Mike has entered into what is called the “assembly of the saints” and henceforth, Mike’s sprit is now part of what is described as a “great stadium” in God’s eternal realm. Not only is Mike now freed from the bondage of disabilities, many of which he courageously overcame in his desire to prove he could still achieve grandly on the race circuit; but now Mike watches over all of our earthly endeavors and his spirit encourages us to step up and accomplish our best. It’s got to be wreckers or checkers! We’ve got to love large and care big! For in doing this, the impact of Mike Tanner and the Tanner Race Team lives on! It’s really been a great party and as the dawn of a new day shines after a great time of revelry, we, even like those early Christian folks in Troas - are all greatly comforted! Closing Special Music When I Get To Where I’m Going by Brad Paisley Closing Scripture I Peter 1:3-5 Dennis Patience [3]Let us give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! Because of his great mercy he gave us new life by raising Jesus Christ from death. This fills us with a living hope, [4] and so we look forward to possessing the rich blessings that God keeps for his people. He keeps them for you in heaven, where they cannot decay or spoil or fade away. [5] They are for you, who through faith are kept safe by God’s power for the salvation which is ready to be revealed at the end of time. Closing Prayer Pastor Dennis God of our comfort and grace, we rejoice in the “living hope” that covers our lives this day and in the upcoming days you may grant us. As we depart from your house of worship, may we discover your peace through the assurances you give us in your word. May we be renewed by the support of our loved ones and by the bonds of great friendship. And as we have had the privilege to reflect upon and appreciate the measure of devotion we experienced through the life of our loved one, Mike Tanner, it is with confidence that we visualize his spirit rejoicing in the celebration of your heavenly presence. For as the Apostle Paul affirms for us in I Corinthians 6:14: as you raised our Lord Jesus, you will also raise us up by Christ’s power over sin and death. As we embrace the memories of Mike that we will cherish in the days to come, may we be inspired by his determined spirit to never give up and may we conduct our lives in ways that are a blessing to others and an offering of service to your kingdom here on earth. For as Paul also tells us in I Thessalonians 5:11 we are to encourage each other to build each other up, just as we are striving to do this day. This be our prayer as we celebrate the life of your child and our beloved companion, Mike Tanner. Amen.   Graveside Service for Michael Tanner at Barry Cemetery 1327 NW Barry Rd, Kansas City, MO 64155 Saturday, October 27, 2018 Rev. Dr. Dennis Patience, Officiating Pastor Barry Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 1500 NW Barry Road Kansas City, MO 64155 Telephone: 816-436-0462 Introduction In Jesus’ day, when a son wanted to marry, he didn’t move away, instead, he added a room on to his father’s house. In time, several generations lived in many rooms surrounding a central courtyard. In the gospel of John 14:1-3, Jesus shared the Last Supper with his disciples just before his departure to the Garden of Gethsemane. He comforted them and revealed himself as their spiritual bridegroom, who would soon be leaving in order to prepare a room for his disciples (and indeed for us) in his father’s house. For Jesus said to them: Do not be worried and upset, believe in God and believe also in me. There are many rooms in my Father’s house, and I am going to prepare a place for you. I would not tell you this if it were not so. And after I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to myself, so that you will be where I am. It is this image of the heavenly household of God that is described in this passage, and as we have gathered at this place of rest and honor for Mike Tanner, his step-father, Gary and other family members; we celebrate the hope we have in God through Christ our Lord, knowing that Mike’s spirit now resides in that heavenly household that our Lord described to his disciples. For like Mike, we know that God loves large and cares big. Opening Prayer Gracious and eternal God, we know that we find comfort and renewal as we seek your guidance. As we gather here to lay to rest the mortal remains of one of your children, Michael Jerome Tanner, we know there is hope as we embrace the blessing of your abundant grace. We celebrate the hope we have as Christ came into the world, became victorious over death through his sacrifice on the cross and therefore, ushers us into the hope of your eternal presence. We seek your guidance as we embrace the images of comfort given to us in the 23rd Psalm: The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: For thou art with me: Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me In the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; My cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life and I will dwell In the house of the LORD forever. Amen. In Remembrance Pastor Dennis Gathered here at Barry Cemetery, we honor Mike’s life as we know there will be a marker of remembrance of his life. And we realize that marker will state a date of death, the 20th of October in the year of our Lord, 2018 as we now lay to rest only the mortal remains of one of God’s children, Mike Tanner, for as scripture reminds us in Genesis 3:19: of dust our bodies were made and to the dust our bodies shall return. But in the presence of one another with the blessing of God’s Holy Spirit, we affirm the truth that Mike’s spiritual essence now and will be forever present with our creator God, freed from disability and physical concerns. And although we realize that in our relationship with Mike, there may be some tasks undone and conversations unfinished, we celebrate the richness of his life, his profound devotion to his family and friends and for the fact that his influene will continue through the legacy of the Tanner Racing Team. And considering the parties and fun and exciting times we’ve had the privilege to share with Mike, we rejoice also in the hope that one day we shall all be reunited in God’s living presence, and we will have the opportunity to pick up where we left off in the great celebration of God’s eternal glory. And as you and I move forward with our earthly tasks, may we honor Mike’s memory as we strive to care for one another and to expect the best of one another in our endeavors to achieve the checkered flag in the race of daily living. And just as Christ our Lord was victorious over death because he was willing to achieve his part of God’s plan for humanity’s salvation, so also, as we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, we can achieve God’s purposes day by day. As the author of Hebrews reminds us: As for us, we have this large crowd of witnesses around us. So then, let us rid ourselves of everything that gets in the way, and of the sin which holds on to us so tightly, and let us run with determination the race that lies before us. Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus on whom our faith depends from beginning to end. He did not give up because of the cross! On the contrary, because of the joy that was waiting for him, he thought nothing of the disgrace of dying on the cross, and he is now seated at the right side of God’s throne. (Hebrews 12:1-2) And as we depart from this place of memorial, may God’s Holy Spirit give us the resolve to be of service to others as we emulate Mike’s compassion for others for the glory of God. For as the Apostle Paul wrote in I Corinthians 15:58: So then, my dear brothers (and sisters), stand firm and steady. Keep busy always in your work for the Lord, since you know that nothing you do in the Lord’s service is ever useless. Closing Prayer: Merciful and loving God, we rejoice in the privilege that has been ours to have shared the journey of life with Mike Tanner. Yet, as we depart today from this place of memorial, may we step forward with determined spirits to fulfill the duties and tasks you have before us, with the same measure of honesty, integrity and service to family and friends that we experienced in Mike. We pray your blessing to be with Crystal, Jayden, Raylen, Mike’s mother, Pat, Mike’s siblings, nephews and the grand host of former co-workers, and close friends who have gathered today to watch the checkered flag come down one last time as Mike’s earthly presence has made his last lap on this track of life. He has finished his race and now resides in the living presence of you, O God; our loving and eternal creator. Guides us as we depart and as we remember the prayer through which Jesus taught us to pray, Our Father, Which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.