Donald Osborne's Obituary
1st Sgt. Donald E. Osborne
Don was born to Elmer and Sarah Osborne in Reedsville, PA on November 5, 1938. He graduated from Chief Logan High School (PA) in 1957. He entered the United States Army in 1960.
Don married Carolyn Jacobs on December 29, 1964, in Auburn, WA. They were married for 45 years and have one son, Donald J. Osborne, three daughters, Elisa D. Auvil, Stacy D Stanger, and Brandy L. Osborne. They also have 6 grandchildren, Jennifer Robeson, Cameron Hall, Alexander Osborne, Victoria Osborne, Justin Auvil and Destiny Lugo, as well as two great grandchildren, Dorian Davis and Harlie Daniels.
During Don's 24 years of service in the U.S. Army, he spent two tours in Germany and three tours in Korea. He served in the Vietnam War, where he was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star Medal.
Throughout his military career, Don was also awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea), Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal (7th Awd), Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Drill Sergeant Identification Badge, Republic of Korea Unit Citation, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Meritorious Service Medal, Overseas Ribbon (3), Army Service Ribbon, Sharp Shooter Qualification Badge (M-16) and the Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (4).
Don retired for the US Army on January 31, 1984 at Fort Lewis, and entered into Civil Service. While in Civil Service, Don served in the Finance Department at Fort Lewis. He then transferred to Madigan Army Medical Center, where he served as a Credentials Examiner. He retired in 2005 after 20 years.
Don's passions were fishing, camping, gardening, all around Mr. Fix-it; but as a plumber he was not. Most importantly he was a dedicated family man, who always put his family first. Everything he did was always from his heart. He loved family gatherings and camping trips. His greatest joys in life are his wife, his children and his grandchildren. He loved everyone unconditionally and forever. He was loved by us all.
Don was diagnosed in 1963 and 1996 with cancer that he victoriously beat; but left him with many challenging health problems, which never held him down. Earlier this year, he became ill, and was again diagnosed with cancer. Don fought to the end, and has now gone to the Lord, where he is fishing with the Greatest Fisherman of All. FISH-ON!!
What’s your fondest memory of Donald?
What’s a lesson you learned from Donald?
Share a story where Donald's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Donald you’ll never forget.
How did Donald make you smile?