William B. Borden
William B. Borden (94), of Kokomo, Indiana passed away peacefully in his sleep, on Wednesday, January 24, 2024. His children and grandchildren surrounded him with love the evening before his passing. William, fondly known as Bill or Mr. B., was born to Samuel Andrew (Andy) and Eunice (Grace) Borden on April 16, 1929, in Richmond, Indiana. He was raised on a farm alongside his 2 siblings, Terry Borden (deceased) and Linda VanMeter (of Indianapolis) who he adored. Bill was a loving husband, father, grandfather, manager, coach, mentor, and so many more roles.
Bill was a talented athlete who loved playing sports and received a scholarship to the University of Missouri. While playing at Missouri, he was recruited to the Cleveland Browns and an unfortunate injury kept this dream from happening. He gave up his scholarship and dream of playing with the Browns, left Missouri and was hired by the Kroger Company as a Manager. After 2 years, he enlisted in the Air Force to serve in the Korean War. After 4 years in the Air Force and 2 years in the National Guard, he returned to Kroger where he worked for 45 years. It was through Kroger where he met the love of his life, Lavonne Joan (Joni) Borden.
Bill and Joni raised 3 children in Kokomo. Denise, Scott, and Shelly. Bill and Joni were married 65 years when Joni passed away. Bill could not wait to be reunited with the love of his life. Bill’s faith in Jesus Christ and reuniting with Joni got him through his most difficult days. Living 8 years without her was heartbreaking.
Bill did not know a stranger. He helped many young people advance their lives. He was a mentor to so many people. Dedicating his free time to coaching baseball for many years, from UCT to the Legion, he helped many athletes fulfill their dreams. He scouted for colleges and sent both young men and women to many colleges on scholarships. He was passionate about helping others. Bill positively impacted our community and will be truly missed. He believed that God put him on this Earth to help others and to spread His word.
Bill is survived by his daughter, Shelly Hanson and son-in-law Jim, and their 7 children, Courtney Klueh (Matt), Aaron Hanson (Jenny), Tiffany Hanson, Nick Renard, Sean Hanson (Bridget), and twins, Cole and Cory Hanson. Also surviving Bill is his #1 son, Scott and daughter-in-law, Dr. Carol Borden, and their 3 children, Sam Borden, Luke Borden, and Sarah Borden. Denise’s children, Steve Polk, Amanda Newport, and Lindsay Papagiannis, survive also. Bill has 13 great grandchildren whom he adored; Sebastian Klueh, Dimitri Klueh, Nikolai Klueh, Sadie Hanson-Lopez, Brad Dockemeyer, Katie Newland, Gabe Newland, Bruce Newland, Mac Newland, Ruby Hanson, Branden Newport, Jaycee Polk, and Jaylan Polk. Bill had several nephews including, Noel Borden, Sam Borden, and Tim VanMeter and nieces, Dana Risvold and his #1 niece, Darien Thurnall (Angie), who was always willing to bring his sister, Linda, to visit him. He will be forever grateful to all his family for always being there for him. Bill’s wife, Joni, parents, brother, and daughter, Denise preceded him in death.
A celebration of life will be held Friday, February 2, 2024, from 4:00 to 7:00 at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home & Cemetery, 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo. A time of visitation will occur Saturday, February 3, 2024, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1204 North Armstrong Street, Kokomo, Indiana. A Mass of Christian burial will occur Saturday, February 3, 2024, at 1:00 pm at St. Patrick’s Church, with an entombment following at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in his honor to St. Patrick’s School or a charity of your choice. Giving to others was his priority.