John Kenneth Borders passed away peacefully while surrounded by loved ones on Monday, February 25, 2019, just before his 87th birthday. Ken, who was known by some as John, leaves behind a lifetime of salesmanship, storytelling, practical jokes, woodworking masterpieces and an array of friends and family that will miss him dearly.
Ken/John was born March 27, 1932, in San Diego, CA. He was raised in China as an infant and toddler and spent his early education at a school near Waikiki Beach in Hawaii. As a young man, John served four years in the Navy and was active in the Korean War. Love for his country carried on throughout his life where he served in various leadership positions with the American Legion, making lifelong friends.
Ken/John married Janet Harris in 1955 after a whirlwind romance. Their love affair lasted 53 years. It was filled with many adventures, career changes, obstacles and triumphs. But always at its core was a deep, unwavering love and commitment to each other. They had many accomplishments together, but the one they took the most pride in were their three children, John Jr., Jennifer and James Matthew and their grandchildren.
John and Janet also shared a love of their community in Manteca. They were proud to have been able to see Manteca grow from a one-stoplight town to a thriving city. Ken/John was proud to be part of bringing the mural to the wall outside of the American Legion Hall. He also was honored to be part of the Manteca Historical Society and Museum.
Ken’s/John’s life was blessed with not only one great love, but also two. Eloise Foley came into his life in 2015. John was welcomed and was deeply loved by Eloise’s family. They had many great RV adventures, traveling the country visiting friends and family. John/Ken would often remark that he finally found a gorgeous blonde that would laugh at his jokes.
In addition to Eloise and her wonderful family, Ken/John is survived by his daughter, Jennifer, (husband, Jim), and six grandchildren, Joshua, Jessica, Kaitlyn, Lindsey, Kenneth, and Courtney.
The internment of his ashes with military honors will be held at the San Joaquin National Cemetery in Santa Nella, CA., at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, March 22, 2019.
A celebration of his life will be held at St. Paul’s Methodist Church, at 910 E North St., Manteca, CA 95336 on Saturday, March 23, 2019, at 2 p.m. with a reception to follow.
Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Saturday, March 16, 2019
