Ralph Osborn

Ralph Osborn
Godly Gentleman, Devoted Husband & Father,
Skilled Musician, Lover of Poetry and Literature, Runner, Eternal Optimist

Ralph Herbert Osborn passed away July 6, 2013, at the age of 100 years, 3 months and 12 days. He was born March 24, 1913, in Jackson, MI, to Herbert L. & Ethel M. Osborn. A pictorial history of Ralph's life may be viewed at http://youtu.be/Z74DgNIlQ8A
Ralph started playing piano at age 8, ukulele at age 15 and cornet at age 16. Music ran in his blood and to the core of his soul. Ralph toured and played cornet with many great bands throughout the Big Band era from 1932 until he was drafted into the US Army in 1941.He served in Germany as a Staff Sergeant in Company B of The 605 Tank Destroyers. He carried his horn with him everywhere he went in the Army and played as frequently as possible all across Europe.
After the war he moved to Raymondville, TX, where he built his house with his own hands, married his beloved Mabel and raised Jeannie, Sharon and Herb. He worked as a rural mail carrier for 24 years until his retirement in 1972. He was retired from the Post Office for 41 years.
With his perfect ear for music, Ralph was also a skilled Piano Tuner/Technician, widely respected throughout the Rio Grande Valley for his expertise. Some famous pianists insisted only Ralph tune the piano before concerts in the Rio Grande Valley.
In retirement Ralph was a Hospice Volunteer for 13 years serving 24 patients through the last stages of life. Twenty of those were older than he was. For his dedicated service, he was featured as National Volunteer of the Year in Grit Magazine.
Ralph attributed his long, healthy life to his faith in Christ, his unbridled optimism, healthy diet and 30 years of running. He ran daily through the cemetery near his house, logging more than 50 miles a week. He ran well into his late 80's and inspired countless others to do likewise. His walls displayed more than 75 trophies for being the fastest in his age group.
Most importantly, Ralph was a dedicated Christian, full of faith and prayer, active in church, playing the piano and singing in the choir. Ralph kept his brain and spirit sharp by memorizing countless chapters in the Bible. He prayed and recited long passages as he ran and exercised.
He was preceded in death by his son Herb and wife Mabel with whom he enjoyed 47 happy years and wonderful trips around the USA, Japan, Mexico, Canada and Brazil.
He is survived by his daughters, Jeannie Jones and Sharon Gardner; grandchildren, Timi Forrest, Todd Jones, Chuck Gardner, Kimberly Sanchez, Kelly Wickizer and Karen Stewart. He is also survived by eight great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.
The family would like to express our deepest appreciation to the loving care provided by Resolutions Hospice and the devoted staff at Ruby's and Gems Personal Care Home especially Trish and Maria.
Funeral services were held at the historic Leander Presbyterian Church on July 11, 2013, in Leander, TX. Memorial donations may be made to The Salvation Army, Ralph's favorite charity.