John Borden

John Borden, 81, of Jonesboro, Arkansas, passed from this life and entered Heaven on December 25, 2019, at St Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro. He was born June 14, 1938, in Colt, Arkansas and was the son of the late E.W. Borden, Sr. and Mattie McGee Borden.

John grew up in Colt on the family farm with two sisters and six brothers. He began working for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company in 1958 at the age of 19 in Wynne, Arkansas. In 1964, he moved to Jonesboro where he continued his career with SWBTC, retiring in March of 2000 with 41 ½ years of service.

After his retirement, John loved staying busy at Calvary Baptist Church where he was a charter member. You could often see him flying across the yard with the lawn mower in "full throttle." He could also be found changing church signs, taking off trash, or cleaning out gutters. He often went to church early on Sunday mornings to blow leaves and debris away from the entrance and adjust the temperature in the building. He also served in various other capacities over the years; Sunday School teacher, BTC and Sunday School Director. John loved working for the Lord and spending time with his family.

John was known for his quick wit and his sweet smile that always made others feel better when they were around him. He enjoyed fishing, drinking coffee at the mall with the “old guys,” telling stories of his life, and watching football - especially the ASU Red Wolves and Arkansas Razorbacks. John gave himself the nickname “Screwdriver,” and folks all over town would stop to take a picture with him. This was a source of joy for him and others to share; he loved being a local celebrity.

John was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers (George Borden, J.C. Borden, Alfred Borden, Leonard Borden, and Edgar Borden), and two sisters (Jewell Borden Baskins and Elizabeth Borden Milton).

Survivors include his wife, Janis, two daughters, Belinda Lambert (Wilson) and their children, Ryan Lambert (Kayla), Reid Lambert, and Kathryn Lambert; Tina Craig (Barry) and their children, Heather Talley, Dalton Craig, and Madison Craig; and daughter by choice, Chrissy King (Matt) and their children, Addison King and Andrew King; two great-grandchildren, Ryleigh Lambert and Rory Lambert; and one brother, Walter Borden of Colt and numerous nieces and nephews.

The visitation will be Thursday, January 2nd from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church followed by a celebration of John’s life beginning at 2:00 p.m. at the church with Rev. J.T. Baskins and Rev. Jerry Medlock officiating. Burial will follow at Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to: Calvary MBC Building Fund, 2731 Paula Drive, Jonesboro, Arkansas 72404.