Ernest Horace Benton Borden

Ernest Horace Benton Borden Sunrise- October 1, 1933 Sunset- February 12, 2019 Ernest Horace Benton Borden “Ernie”, age 85, was born October 1, 1933 in Gallipolis, Ohio to Alexander and Sarah Borden. He was the second of 10 children of the union of Alexander and Sarah. Ernie left home at the age of 17 to join the Marine Corps. He was stationed at Parris Island, South Carolina, and Camp Pendleton in San Diego County, California. Ernie proudly served his country during the Korean War. He obtained the rank of Private First Class and earned an Honorable Discharge. He often spoke of his memories of that important time in his life. From there, Ernie made his way to Detroit where he spent the majority of his life. He found work with his Uncle, John White, the owner and iconic proprietor of the historic Hotel Gotham. There he met prominent African-Americans from the 1950’s and 1960’s, such as Billie Holiday, Jesse Owens, Joe Louis, Marla Gibbs and Sammy Davis, Jr. He served as his Uncle’s trusted assistant for many years. Ernie was also a published author. He wrote the book Images of America Detroit’s Paradise Valley. In his spare time, Ernie loved to cook, follow politics, listen to jazz and R&B music, and watch his beloved Detroit Lions and Tigers! In his later years, Ernie moved to Columbus, Ohio to be closer to his loving sisters and brother. Ernie was a kind and gentle man and was loved by an abundance of family and friends. Ernie maintained his strong love and faith in God. He shared his faith with others through conversation and his composition of prayers. It was his faith that helped sustain him throughout his life. Ernie is preceded in death by his parents, Alexander and Sarah Borden, sisters Nancy Franklin, Catherine Roebuck, Lydia Robinson, and Manzanita Casey; brothers, Sergeant First Class Alexander “Jr.” Borden, Colonel Charles Borden, Lance Corporal John Borden, Private First Class Donald Borden, and Sergeant Richard Borden. Ernie is survived by his loving sisters, Sarah Frazier, Margaret Cook, and Carolyn Borden-Collins and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and friends.