Velvin F. Border

Velvin Francis Border went to be with his Lord October 11, 2023 with many loved ones to send him on his way. Velvin was born in Vermontville, MI on December 24, 1942 to Velmer and Henrietta (Dunigan) Border. He was welcomed by three older sisters who found pleasure in dubbing him “the prince of the house” as he was the first boy after three girls and was born on Christmas Eve. He also took real pleasure in telling people that Vermontville is the real maple syrup capital of Michigan! Vel graduated from Farwell High School in 1961 where he enjoyed playing baseball, football and basketball. He served in the army where he trained as a medic. After the service he used his military training working with Lansing Mercy ambulance services. In the early 70s he became a Certified Respiratory Therapist and was employed by Clare Hospital where he set up the first Respiratory Therapy Department for the hospital and worked there until 1978. He worked in several hospitals in Michigan, Nevada and Florida throughout the remainder of his career earning multiple certifications. He especially enjoyed working with NICU babies and aiding in transport of babies between facilities. He was a loyal MSU fan particularly football and basketball. He enjoyed the band as much as the games. He loved a playful rivalry with nieces, nephews, grandchildren (anyone really) who may have mistakenly placed their allegiance elsewhere. He is survived by his wife and best friend of 39 years Rita (Schepers) Border of Farwell; children Cindy (Dave) Martin of Sears, Kathy (Joel) Rhodes of Coleman, Terry (Debbie) Border of Midland, Gary (Sue) Border of Odessa, TX, Penny (Don) Nevill of Clare and Partick (Jenny) Paulin of Summerville, SC; in-laws Darla (Roy) Schepers of Evart, Bruce (Linda) Schepers of Carlsbad, NM, Steve and Charlotte Schepers of Chiefland, FL, Betty and Larry Doll of Hudsonville, MI, Ed and Kim Schepers of Cadillac and Bonnie and Doug Watson of Cadillac. Family who have gone before are his parents Velmer and Henrietta Border. parents in law Earl and Henrietta Schepers, sisters Shirley (Wayne) Cook, Laura L. (Tom) Hamilton, Janice (David) Cook, sister in law Linda (Bruce) Schepers, brother in law Roy (Darla) Schepers, son Stan Roberson Vel loved his family! He was very proud of his 26 grandchildren and 33 great grandchildren and precious nieces and nephews. He will be missed. A private memorial is being planned for next week for family. In lieu of flowers please donate to the charity of your choice. Vel was very fond of the work St Jude’s does with children. Arrangements were handled by the Stephenson-Wyman Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left at www.stephenson-wyman.com

Velvin F. Border

December 24, 1942 - October 11, 2023