Kenneth C. Osburn, age 89, of Marion, went to be with the Lord early Thursday morning, July 11, 2013, at the Marion General Hospital following several months of illness.
On July 15, 1923, Ken was born in Westfield, Ohio, in Morrow County, one of three children of the late Floyd “F.G.” and Flora (Heimlich) Osburn. He graduated from Cardington Lincoln High School in the Class of 1941.
Shortly following graduation, Ken was drafted to serve in the U.S. Army with his fellow countrymen in the battle of World War II. He was a part of the Signal Battalion, and helped with the cleanup efforts in Okinawa, Japan.
Upon his honorable discharge, Ken returned from the war to Marion, where he found work at Tecumseh Products. He worked there for 41 years, until his retirement in 1984 when the plant closed.
On January 25, 1950, Ken was set up on a blind date with a young lady who would quickly capture his heart, Mildred “Midge” Kaufman. Just 9 months later, Ken and Midge were married on October 3, 1950, in the parsonage at the Epworth United Methodist Church. During their 62 wonderful years of marriage, he loved to be spoiled with her cooking, especially her famous pies and cookies.
A man of deep faith, Ken was an active member of the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Waldo for many years.
With a love for sports, Ken enjoyed bowling for many years until he found he also loved to golf. He played either sport as often as he could, playing in many leagues, and even hitting a hole in one. He also enjoyed rooting on his beloved Cincinnati Bengals and Reds, and loved to fish.
Having a beautiful bass singing voice, Ken enjoyed singing with the Marionnaires for 8 years. He also was a member of the Marion and Pleasant Senior Centers.
With a witty saying or comeback for most any occasion, Ken and his great sense of humor kept everyone laughing and on their toes. He also was very dedicated to his family and friends, and always was the first to help.
He will be dearly missed by his wife, Mildred “Midge” Osburn of Marion; two children: Janet (Barry) Luse of Fremont, OH, and Jean (David Kalter) Osburn of Washington, D.C.; one grandson: K. Erik (Crystal) Luse; two great-granddaughters: Courtney and Carly Luse; a sister, Doris Stantforth of Marion; numerous nieces and nephews.
Including his parents, Ken was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Sarah Jean Luse; brother, Gerald Osburn; brother-in-law, George Stanforth and sister-in-laws: Ruth Kaufman McClain, Dorothy Kaufman Young and Helen Kaufman.
Ken’s family will greet friends from 2 – 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 14th, at the Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home, 360 E. Center St., Marion. Services honoring his life will be held on Monday at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 135 W. Main St., Waldo, with Rev. Dan Kiger officiating. Burial with military honors provided by the Marion County United Veterans Council will follow in Marion Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (address above) and Sarah Jean Luse Foundation, c/o Community Foundation, Inc., 1234 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43205.
Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to have been chosen to serve Ken’s family and your private condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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