Larry Lloyd Borgens of Hondo, 74, passed away Sunday, August 23, 2020. Born January 2, 1946, in Yakima, WA, he was the son of Orville and Carolyn Borgens.

Larry grew up in Wapato, WA and graduated from Wapato High School in 1964. He worked on the family fruit ranch and also raised pigs. For fun, he competed in local drag races, winning many trophies. Then he joined the Navy and learned aircraft mechanics. While stationed in Kingsville, TX, he met his future wife Nelwyn. Larry and Nelwyn married in Hondo in 1969 and soon moved to Larry's hometown in Washington. The couple then moved to Gardenia, CA where Larry worked as a vehicle service writer. Their first child, Barton was born in 1973 then the three moved to Hondo in 1976. In 1980, their second child, Kimberly, was born. The family was long time members of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Hondo.

After arriving in Hondo, Larry owned a gas station, Larry's Texaco, until he was persuaded to leave mechanics to work as an exotic game ranch foreman. Later, he went into sales including cars, mobile homes, and even beef jerky. Getting back to his love of animals, he took on a new challenge of running an ostrich farm and also consulted others wanting to get into this new business. Then Larry decided that working for the state would be a good next career step and began working for Texas Department of Criminal Justice in Hondo and then outside of San Antonio until he was eligible to retire.

In 2002, Larry and Nelwyn moved from the city limits of Hondo and onto the family ranch, fulfilling Larry's dream of living retirement in the country because he loved the outdoors. He enjoyed fishing locally and at the Texas coast. He hunted at the ranch and also special hunting trips outside the area. He was ready to hunt or fish with friends or simply head out with his trusty dog. He maintained a large garden with numerous kinds of vegetables, peppers, and fruits which he shared with family and friends. He even lived out a dream of fishing and gold prospecting in Alaska. At the ranch, he strived to be a good steward of the land. He provided supplemental food and maintained a pond for the deer and other wildlife while making sure there was a good balance of brush and open areas. He hosted many bbq parties featuring his amazing pork ribs and beans. He was known for being generous and going out of his way for family and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 48 years; sister, Judy Van Dyke; and great-niece, Cheyenne Ward.

Survivors include his son, Bart (Jennifer) Borgens of San Antonio; daughter, Kimberly (Kenneth) Caldwell of San Antonio; sister, Patti (Monte) Murphy of Monroe WA; grandchildren, Julia and Evelyn Borgens and Elena Caldwell; brother-in-law, Lennis (Deborah) Ward of Hondo; nephews, Rob Murphy of Lake Stevens, WA, Grant (Colleen) Van Dyke of Coupeville WA; and Lance (Kathryn) Ward of Hondo, great-nieces and -nephews, Lisa (Travis) Gardner; Sydney, Cameron, Cole, and Jordan Van Dyke; and Josh Ward.

A service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church in Hondo.