Alex Praphan Boonyakiti

Alex Praphan Boonyakiti was born Aug. 21, 1989 in El Dorado Springs, Mo., to John Praphan and Karri (Bowman) Boonyakiti. He passed away suddenly Feb. 4, 2010, in Springfield, Mo.

Alex enjoyed sports. He started playing soccer in Nevada, at age 3 and played until he started Mighty Mite football in the fifth grade. Alex played football for 8 years and loved all his teammates and coaches. He also ran track, played baseball and basketball. Alex was a great athlete and excelled at all he did.

He was preceded in death by two grandfathers, Jim Bowman and Larry Kerr.

Alex is survived by his father, John "Pun" Boonyakiti and wife, Kimberly, of Nevada; his mother, Karri Bowman, of El Dorado Springs; two brothers, Michael Boonyakiti and Chance Bain, both of El Dorado Springs; two sisters, Jasmine Boonyakiti, of the state of North Carolina, and Aysha Boonyakiti, of Nevada; his maternal grandmother, Kathy Stone and husband Lloyd, of El Dorado Springs; his paternal grandparents, Somjit Kerr and friend, Darryl Kiger, of Nevada; paternal grandfather, Gat Boonyakiti, of Thailand; uncles, Adam Rodgers, and wife Ashley, of El Dorado Springs, James Bowman and wife Skye, of Fort Campbell, Ky., Jacob Bowman, of El Dorado Springs, Al Stone and wife, Danae, of Blue Springs, Mo., Brent Stone and wife, Crystal, of Grain Valley, Mo., Brandon Stone and wife, Stephanie, of Butler, Mo.; aunts, Sara Bowman of Springfield, Vipa Boonyakiti and friend, Samuel Vella, of the state of New Jersey, Michelle Loy and husband, Josh, of the state of California, and Laurie Long and husband, Zach, of the state of Kansas; paternal great-aunt, Pitt Morris, of the state of California and Porntip, Sarnmanee and Sri, all of Thailand; cousins, Jessica Jones and husband, Chris, of Nevada, Sean Jackson and wife, Jaime, of the state of Texas, Gabriella and Caleb Loy, of the state of California and Laikyn, Kaden and Drew Long, of the state of Kansas, Avery Rodgers, of El Dorado Springs; other relatives and many great friends.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, Feb. 9, at 1 p.m., at the Church of God (Holiness) with pastor Joe Trussell officiating. Interment was in Hackleman Cemetery, in El Dorado Springs. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contribution be made to the Alex Boonyakiti Memorial Fund.

The music selection was "What Brothers Are For," Michael Boonyakiti. Pallbearers were: Chad Depee, Geoff Stewart, Donnie Pennington, Chris Shanks, Brian Ellis, and David Rotert.

Arrangements were under the direction of Sheldon Funeral Home, El Dorado Springs.