Bill grew up in St. Louis and studied mechanical engineering at Washington University. During the war he worked at McDonnell Aircraft where he met his future bride Bette Jeanne Grant. They were married in Houston in 1944, and he landed a job at Humble Oil & Refining. He served 8 years on field seismograph crews and then 18 years in oil and sulfur scouting ("industrial spying" in his words). Most of his scouting years were spent in Corpus Christi, Texas, where he was active in the First Presbyterian Church and youth sports activities. In 1970 he moved to Houston for 16 years in the electronic data processing side of the business. That added up to a 42-year career at Humble / Exxon in the Exploration Department until his retirement in 1986.
Bill loved his sports — bowling (until he was almost 90), swimming, tennis, and softball. He also volunteered for meal deliveries and a local resale shop. He loved music and especially enjoyed singing in the church choir. He had a strong, clear, and wonderful voice that was always a joy to hear. A man of strong faith, he served many functions in his churches over the years.
He always lived independently and in his later years had the pleasure of taking care of his beloved cat Abigail. Companions and soulmates were those two! His life was a tribute to his family and his faith. He will be so missed!
He is preceded in death by his wife of 62 years Bette, sisters Elizabeth Witthaus and Frances Littleton, and Abigail the cat. He is survived by son William ("Bill") Grant Borgsteadt, daughter Judy Boyd, grandson Grant Borgsteadt, granddaughters Debra Dryer, Jennifer Latham, and Elizabeth Borgsteadt, greatgrandchildren Sam and Joseph Dryer, Lila Borgsteadt, Ava Latham, and Madelyn Borgsteadt.
Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, Friday, March 9, 2018 at Earthman Bellaire Funeral Home. 4525 Bissonnet St. A Memorial Service will be held 10:00 AM, Saturday, March 10, 2018 at St. Luke's Presbyterian Church, 8915 Timberside Dr, Houston, TX . In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Salvation Army or SPCA.
