Barry Borst
February 25, 1942-Sept. 24, 2023
Published on website of Palmer-Welsheimer Funeral Home:
Barry Russell Borst of Niles, Mi passed away on September 24th, 2023 at the home of his sister Becky in Angola, IN. Barry was born February 25, 1942 to Barden and Alyce (Gohr) Borst at the home of his maternal grandparents in Niles, Mi. In 1944, they purchased a 150 acre farm on Winn Road where he resided until his marriage to the love of his life and best friend, Gayle Elizabeth (Birt) Borst in June of 1963. They spent the next 57 years together until Gayle’s passing on December 9, 2020.
Barry is preceded in death by his parents, eldest sister Saundra (Gene) Baker, and sister Deborah Borst. He is survived by his eldest son Chris (Jenny) Borst of Niles, Mi, daughter Victoria Borst of South Bend, In., youngest son Timothy Borst of Angola, In.,eldest brother John (Marjorie) Borst of Lincoln, IL., sister Rebekah (Edward decd) Nieman of Angola, In., the youngest of the six Borst children, Bob (Linda) Borst and his 3 beautiful granddaughters Gabriel (Zac) Carmack, Annette Borst and Olivia Borst, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Barry earned his Associates Degree from South Bend College of Commerce while working as the office manager of his family’s excavating company before completing his studies in music and religion at Hillsdale College. Barry was a Financial Officer and held the position of Vice President and Treasurer at LaSalle Federal Savings and Loan in Buchanan, Mi until he and Gayle opened Mr. B’s Steaks Plus in Niles, Mi in the 1980’s. During retirement, Barry worked at J.C. Penney in the men's clothing department and consulted for a medical survey company proctoring surveys for hospital employees.
He was very active in his local 4-H club during his youth and following his marriage to Gayle, they became Club Leaders impacting the lives of many that passed through the club over the years. He received the Outstanding 4-H Leader Award and the Mi 4-H Foundation’s prestigious Emerald Clover Award. Barry served his community in many different roles over the years, including a past president of the Berrien County Leader Council, and the Berrien County Horse Leaders Association, Director on Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce, Niles Township Trustee, and more recently, retired as Vice President of the Berrien County 4-H Foundation.
Barry was a long standing member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Niles, Mi for over 50 years and served as Senior Warden, a member of the executive council and standing committees for the diocese of Western Michigan.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Berrien County 4-H Foundation at https://mi4hfdtn.org/memorialtributedonation/ or mail your donation to:
Michigan 4-H Foundation
446 West Circle Dr., Room 160
East Lansing, MI 48824
Please make checks out to: Michigan 4-H Foundation.
Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at 2:00 pm at Trinity Episcopal Church 9 South 4th Street Niles, Michigan 49120.
Palmer Funeral Home – Welsheimer North Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com