Donald W. Osborne, 81, of Vincennes died November 28, 2022,in Bridgepointe Health Campus, Vincennes.
Don was born January 14, 1941, in Vincennes, the son of Commodore “CE” and Selma (Strate) Osborne. He was the older brother to two sisters—Marilyn, who was his constant confidant and supporter, and their younger sister Edna, who preceded him in death in 2015.
Don graduated from high school as a Decker Ace in 1959,attended Vincennes University, and graduated from Purdue University in 1964, with a degree in agriculture economics. He married Judith Ann Nowaskie on March 23, 1968, in Vincennes. Don served in the Indiana National Guard, and spent his entire working life farming in Knox County, starting in the White River bottoms. Farming was always a family affair, with Judy by his side, and later joined by their two sons, Don and Dan, and grandson Derrik.
Don was a member of The Harmony Society, Monroe City Masonic Lodge, and Vincennes Elks Lodge, and enjoyed meeting with friends at the Knights of Columbus. He loved Ford Retractables, John Deere, “chromed-up” semis, diesel vehicles, strawberries, shrimp, chocolate covered cherries, and going to farm shows and auctions with his neighbors. His family and friends will remember him for always waving, wearing caps, keeping a pen and notepad in his pocket, and “bucking the law.”
Don will be missed by his wife, Judy; sons, Don and his wife Amy; and Dan and his partner Chris, all of Vincennes.Grandchildren, Derrik Osborne and Shelby Osborne. Sister, Marilyn (Vernon) Houchins of Vincennes. Several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister Edna Osborne.
Funeral services for Don will be 10 a.m. Friday (Dec. 2, 2022) in First Church of God, Monroe City, with pastor Justin Brown and Rusty Thorne officiating, visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday in the church. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Vincennes.
The family suggests memorial donations to Monroe City First Church of God, where the family has attended for many years; Bridgepointe Health Campus, where Don enjoyed greeting visitors and was known during his residence as “The Mayor;” or South Knox Education Foundation. The family welcomes online condolences be left on the funeral homes website www.fredrickandson.com. Fredrick and Son McClure-Utt Funeral Homes Vincennes Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements.
