Earl Eugene Borgman

Earl Eugene Borgman, 87, a lifelong resident of Wellington, Missouri passed away Thursday, June 19, 2025, at Meyer Care Center in Higginsville, Missouri surrounded by his family.

Earl was born on June 12, 1938, in Kansas City, Missouri to Eugene & Louise (Starke) Borgman. He grew up on the Borgman family farm west of Wellington.

Earl graduated from Wellington High School in 1956. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in agriculture in 1960, followed by a master’s degree in Mechanized Agriculture in 1961 from the University of Missouri.

Earl enlisted in the Missouri Air National Guard in 1961, serving six years as an aircraft electrician (KC-97) primarily at Rosecrans Field, St. Joesph, Missouri.

While at the University of Missouri, Earl met Mary Katherine Cunningham. They were united in marriage on October 14, 1961, at St. Luke Evangelical Free Church in Wellington. The couple returned to his family farm home, where Earl would dedicate his life to farming, community service and education.

Earl supported soil conservation, building terraces, waterways, and implementing other erosion control practices on his farm with the Soil Conservation Service. He completed three six-year terms as a trustee for the Wellington-Napolean Watershed District and served on the Lafayette County Farm Services Agency Committee.

In addition to growing corn, soybeans, wheat, and alfalfa, Earl raised sheep and hogs. He was active in the Missouri Sheep Producers Association. With his encouragement, both of his children, Jon, and Janis, raised and showed registered Suffolk sheep. Jon also raised Duroc hogs. Summers were spent transporting the kids and their livestock to various shows and fairs throughout the state.

Earl valued education. He believed that a good education is something no one can take away from you. In 1972, Earl was elected to the Board of Education for the Wellington-Napoleon R-9 School District. During his 12 years on the school board, Earl championed academic achievement, as well as upgrading and expanding the district's facilities.

As a member of the University of Missouri College of Agriculture Alumni Board, Earl helped raise funds for student scholarships.

Earl contributed to his community through various volunteer roles. He was a 4-H leader, served on the community fire board, the church board at St. Luke, the Lafayette County 4-H Fair Board, and the Lafayette County Extension Council.

Earl enjoyed building things, from an indestructible Valentine’s box for his children to a “Taj Mahal” kitten condo with his granddaughter. Throughout his lifetime, he renovated the 1893 Victorian farmhouse on the Borgman Century Farm that was his home.

Earl was a curious life-long learner who enjoyed crossword puzzles, meeting new people, and visiting places throughout the U.S. and the world, especially by train, cruise ship, or public transportation. When his children moved to new cities, he explored them, including Santa Maria, California, Rochester, New York, Landsdale, Pennsylvania, Apple Valley, Minnesota, Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle, and Harlan, Iowa.

Earl’s greatest joy was spending time with family and friends. He attended and celebrated key life events, always bringing a smile and good humor.

Earl is survived by his loving wife, Mary Borgman of the home; two children, Jon E. Borgman of Germantown, TN, and Janis B. (Jeffery) Jones of Englewood, CO; one grandchild, Justina L. Borgman of Downers Grove, IL; one brother-in-law, Roy Cunningham of Overland Park, KS; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Ruth Akers, and Esther B. Smith; one brother-in-law, James W. Cunningham; and one sister-in-law, Martha Sanford.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 28, 2025, at St. Luke Evangelical Free Church on 224 Highway in Wellington, Missouri. A funeral service will immediately follow at 11:00 a.m. at the church. Interment will be in St. Luke Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Kids First Education Foundation of Wellington-Napoleon. Memories of Earl and condolences may be left at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com. Arrangements entrusted to the Walker-Nadler-Fuller Funeral Home, 1720 South St, Lexington, MO,64067, 660-259-2245.

Condolences may be left at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com. Arrangements entrusted to Walker-Nadler-Fuller Funeral Home.