Thomas D. Borta

Thomas Dwayne Borta of Houston, MO, formerly of Wonder Lake, IL, was welcomed to Heaven by Jesus with open arms on October 16, 2025. Tom, known as Tim, was born to Thomas and Edna (Hoffman) Borta, August 23, 1944, in Chicago, IL. At 13, he worked for the Sun Times delivering papers. In high school, he worked at Highway Insurance Co. He graduated in 1962 from Wells High School and attended junior college and IBM school, where he learned board wiring, which launched his 35-year career in computers. At Highway, he met the love of his life, Merriel Jo Best, marrying June 27, 1964, in Marshall, NC. Over 61 years of marriage, they were blessed with Son, Darrell Borta (Glorianne), and Daughter, Lauren Borta Reith (Brett), 5 Grandchildren: Francesca, Le'Tasha, Brett Jr. (Bethany), Tiffanie, and Nickolas, and 5 Great-Grandchildren: Kadence, Kylie, Connor, Savannah, and Jaylynn.

He worked for Allstate Inc. Company in the TAB Dept., as Computer Operations Manager and Computer Control Manager. After 28 years, he retired as a Systems Consultant specializing in Data Center Disaster Recovery. He founded the Business Resiliency Professionals Association (BRPA). Allstate honored him with two prestigious awards: The Good Hands Award and The Chairman's Award. He also served the McHenry County Head Start Program, Allstate's Helping Hands Program, and as a Trustee of their Homeowners' Association. After retiring, he served as V.P. of Cremations for Justin Funeral Home, Collections Manager for First Midwest Bank, and V.P. for Planet Hospital.

Tom served 18 years with the Wonder Lake Fire Protection District as Scuba Dive Team Leader, one of the first two Paramedics in the District, for McHenry/Western Lake Counties, serving on their Review Board, and retired as Assistant Chief, while earning his pilot's license.

He served 10 years as a WLFPD Trustee as Treasurer. His greatest accomplishment was lowering the District Tax Rate several times.

In 1999, he and Merri moved to their farm in Houston, MO, where he served 5 years as Texas County LEPC Chairman, and as a CASA for children. He enjoyed Christian fellowship as a member of Community Crossroads Church in Raymondville. He also enjoyed collecting music recordings, playing his accordion, bowling, playing cards, and square dancing. He and Merri loved to travel, visiting all 50 states and other parts of the world. Their dream trip was traveling throughout Alaska and Canada.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Earline, and brothers Ronald, Delmar, and James.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert.