Albert Kenneth Borgmier, 91, passed away June 2, 2006 after a short illness. He is survived by his wife Cora Heath Borgmier of Smithville and his daughter Kathryn Lynn (Kelly) Jennings of Tulsa, OK, sister Martha Howard of Smithville and a host of family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Clyde and Evelyn Borgmier of Smithville and his son-in-law Robert G. Jennings. Born in Clay County, Missouri on March 27, 1915, he graduated from Smithville High School in 1934. He earned honors in vocational agriculture and track and field. His young daughter always called the ribbons in his scrapbook “Daddy’s neckties”. He earned many “neckties” in field and track, setting one school record that was only recently broken. Albert competed in the 440-yard dash and the half-mile relay team. In 1934, he won the 100 yd dash in a Tri-C competition in which he wasn’t even scheduled to compete. In another race, he actually ran out of his shoe but continued the race and won. This was true to his character throughout his life and his illness. He’d just raise his hands, shake his head and say: What’a you gonna do – you gotta go on!.

Albert also earned more “neckties” in vocational agriculture livestock shows at the regional level. His diligence and meticulous manner in caring and raising livestock was recognized in high school with honors in American Royal competitions for breeding and management for both swine and cattle. The local newspaper described his projects as some of the best hogs and cattle produced at that time and his livestock set school project records. This dedication continued on throughout his life as a farmer in Smithville whether it was for a field of corn, a hog or a tomato plant.

He was a member of the Smithville Methodist Church. Visitation will be 10:00 a.m.and memorial service 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 5 at the Church in Smithville on North Highway 169. Burial in I.O.O.F. Cemetery Smithville. Contributions may be made to the United Methodist Church Memorial Fund at the church.

Arrangements: Hixson-Klein Funeral Home, Smithville