Donald “Don” Borcherding
Donald “Don” Borcherding, a devoted family man and loyal friend, passed away Monday, July 29, 2024 after a long illness.
Don was born to Warren and Sara Borcherding on August 26, 1945 in Henderson, Texas. Born into a modest home, he learned at a young age the value of a strong work ethic and diligence to advance oneself in life.
Don’s family eventually moved to Franklin, KY where he spent his high school years and his antics earned him the title of Wittiest in the class. After graduation, he enlisted in the Navy where he took advantage of radar training. He became an air traffic controller for the Navy stationed in Key West, Florida. It was there he met the love of his life and future wife, Kathy Sargent. It was also there that his first daughter Sara was born.
After leaving the Navy, Don and Kathy moved to Miami where he started his career as an air traffic controller with the FAA. Soon, Don and Kathy welcomed their second daughter Mary. Don had many fond memories of the people and experiences he encountered in Miami but he was not a big city guy. He wanted to get closer to his roots and chose to transfer to Nashville International Airport air traffic control and relocate his family to Lebanon, TN, a small town nearby.
After leaving his career as an air traffic controller, Don began a second career in general contracting and founded Warren Company. Working with his long-time employee Ronnie Blair they built commercial buildings in the Lebanon area. Because of the strong work ethic and drive for perfection, Don and Ronnie established a solid reputation. It was often said “everyone needs a Don and Ronnie” when something needs to be built, repaired or remodeled. It was also during this time he met his long time friend Larry Keller. Don would not willingly say this, but he loved and respected both Ronnie and Larry for the rest of his life. Their decades of a successful working relationship and friendship were a blessing to him.
Driven as he was, he didn’t allow much time for leisurely activities but did occasionally indulge in scuba trips with his good friends Steve Adams, Jim Hancock, and Ken Browning. We’ve assumed there is a reason we didn’t hear details about their scuba trips.
Kathy, Don’s wife of 38 years unexpectedly died in 2004. After her death Don retired from building contracting and passed his days at the dream home they designed and built together. Retirement was not idle time for Don who happily kept busy with his garden and home projects.
The family would like to thank Joann Smith, who stepped in to keep Don company and provided a lot of laughs and companionship during his final years. Don also grew very fond of a couple caregivers: Crystal Newcome, who volunteered to visit him even after he moved from the facility where she works, and Brittany Miller at Quality Center in Lebanon for her limitless energy and excellent care. We would also like to thank Gentiva Hospice for their care in Don’s transition to lasting peace. To these people mentioned above and many others, we are thankful for the understanding and love we have experienced.
Don was preceded in death by his wife of 37 years, Kathy; daughter Rebecca Ann Borcherding both of Lebanon; his father Warren Borcherding and his mother Sara Borcherding. He is survived by two daughters, Dr. Sara (Mario) Borcherding of Wilmington, NC and Mary Borcherding of Lebanon, TN; grandchildren Perry Belcher of Lebanon TN, Kathryn (Kate) Belcher of Knoxville TN, and Megan Belcher of St Louis, MO; two brothers Jack and Richard Borcherding of Ada, OK and sister Ann (Robert) Stark of Rockwall, TX .
A private burial will be held at Wilson County Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Ronnie Blair, Larry Keller, Steve Adams, Mario Basegoda, Dustin Keller and Perry Belcher.
In lieu of flowers and in Don’s honor, please consider making a donation to The Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation at alzinfo.org or Gentiva Hospice.
LIGON & BOBO FUNERAL HOME of Lebanon (615) 444-2142 www.ligonbobo.com
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I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. I pray that the many memories you have collected over the years will comfort you during this time.
Its been many years since I remember my son, John Richard, loving to play with you. You had a wonderful family that were examples for all of us. Please accept my sympathy at the passing of your loving father.
So sorry for all your and Don’s turmoil with his passing these past few years.
Your Dad was a pillar of strength for many of us in both good times and bad. I have greatly appreciated his friendship and guidance throughout my whole life since a very young boy in Key West.
He is certainly one of my role models in several stages of my life.
My condolances, and,best wishes for you and your families futures.
Love, Uncle Rick
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