Joseph Borden

JOSEPH BORDEN passed away on Friday, February 12, at the Houston Hospice after a valiant battle with cancer. During his prolonged illness, his devoted wife Millie was constantly by his side. Born to Rose and Morris Borden on March 30, 1931, in Philadelphia, PA, Joe had a love of learning and was always motivated to excel in education. After graduating with a B.A. degree from Philadelphia's prestigious Central High School for boys, he began his pursuit of a chemical engineering degree at Drexel University. His studies were interrupted when he was called to duty to serve in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. In 1952, he arrived at Ellington Field in Houston, Texas, where he received his officer's commission as a navigator. He served one year in Japan as a navigator with the Strategic Air Command, flying B-29's in heavy combat and winning many commendations for his service. The dashing young airman returned to Texas in 1954 to marry the former Beverly Schwartz of Houston, the mother of his two children. He spent the last year of military service at Bergstrom Air Force Base in Austin. In addition to flying B-29'snewly fitted to re-fuel other aircraft while airborneLt. Borden served as the squadron Ground Training Officer and established a junior college at the base through the U.S. Air Force Institute. All during this time in Austin, Joe attended the University of Texas, earning additional engineering credits. After his honorable discharge from the Air Force, he moved to Houston with his wife, where he completed his education with a B.S. degree in Industrial Engineering at the University of Houston.In 1956, Joe joined the family firm, formerly named Texberry Bottling Works. Later, as President, he grew the company from a small, four-man operation to a major container corporation in the southwest that employed 450 people. Now called Texberry Container Corporation, the company manufactured plastic containers and distributed glass and metal packaging from the main Houston office and opened branches in Dallas, New Orleans and San Antonio. Joe developed many new types of containers with several exclusive patents. A respected industry leader, Joe served as President of the National Association of Container Distributors.Joe also served his community in many capacities, most notably as a board member for the Jewish Community Center for 4 years. He was also a captain fundraiser for the construction of Congregation Beth Yeshurun at its present location as well as a member of Congregation Emanuel. Joe considered it an honor to be invited to join the Board of Directors of Fannin Bank.After his retirement in 1996, Joe's interest in education continued, as he tutored mathematics to students enrolled in The Communities in Schools program. He enjoyed helping all of his students advance in their studies. Not only was he generous in dedicating his time, Joe provided calculators to each of his students, making certain everyone had the necessary tools to succeed. He also tutored students in obtaining their GED certificates. Joe had many hobbies and interests. He just loved to fly! He continued his military flying experiences, earning his private and commercial instrument licenses and multi engine license. It gave him great joy to fly his twin engine Aerostar, N666BB, all across North America, for both business and pleasure. By flying, he was able to reach many distant customers, increasing the company business. Often his family accompanied him on these trips, turning the business trip into an educational and fun family adventure. Thoroughbred racing was also an active interest, as he joined with friends in breeding and racing horses, primarily in Louisiana. He could often be found studying racing forms in his spare time. For approximately 40 years, Joe was a member of the "infamous" Wednesday Night Poker Group. Friendships that formed there endured for many years. Joe followed all sports with enormous enthusiasm and remained a dedicated and fervent Oilers fan throughout the team's existence. Tennis was his athletic passion. He played regularly at Westwood Country Club and University Club.In later years, after marrying his adoring wife Mildred, they both became interested in learning more about each of their family's histories. Together, they researched and developed elaborate and extraordinary pictorial family trees. Millie and Joe were overjoyed to share their discoveries by hosting numerous and memorable family reunions, often reuniting and introducing family members.Joe is survived by his best friend and cherished wife Millie; son Brad Borden and wife Suzanne; daughter Valerie Burman and husband Darryl; grandchildren Ashley Borden and fiancé Elias, Dean and Miles Burman, and Morgan Holcomb. He is also survived by his sisters in California, Dorothy Glaser and Annette Kanarek, his brother-in-law Ira, former wife, Beverly Borden, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 15, at 10:00 am at Levy Funerals located at 4525 Bissonnet Street in Bellaire. Burial will be at South Park Cemetery, located at 1310 North Main Street in Pearland. Rabbi Roy Walter and Cantor Vadim Tunitsky will be officiating. Pallbearers are Brad Borden, Chip Brock, Dean Burman, Darryl Burman, Miles Burman, Robert Glaser, Marvin Stapper and Dr. Robert Zirl. Contributions in memory of Joseph Borden may be made to Congregation Emanu El or the Houston Hospice.Joe truly loved life and his family and friends. As he would fondly say, his life was "not as shaky as a fiddler on a roof."