Obituary of G. Neil Osburn

George Neil Osburn, 78, passed from this life on March 1, 2016. Services will be held at the First Baptist Church, Overton, with Dr. Charles Paschall officiating, March 5 at 11:00 a.m., under the direction of Cottle-Pearson Funeral Home. Neil was born October 20, 1937 in Tyler to the late George H. and Mary Alice Osburn, and graduated from Tyler High, Class of 1955. After serving two years in the Navy aboard the USS Chevalier, home port San Diego, Neil returned to East Texas and began his career in the meat business. Over the years he built a following of loyal customers, retiring in 2003. Strongly believing that water is our most precious resource, Neil served on boards of the Rusk County Groundwater Conservation and Soil & Water Conservation Districts. As a member of First Baptist Church, Overton, Neil taught the Young Adults class and is an ordained deacon. Over his lifetime, he enjoyed hunting, coaching Little League baseball, square dancing, and choreographed ballroom dancing. After retirement he found his talent for gardening and created a beautiful outdoor setting for the family to enjoy. Grandchildren held a special place in his heart. His oldest grandchild, Joey, initiated the ritual of rubbing Papa’s head for good luck. Neil also enjoyed a lively discussion about the Bible, political issues, and sports. Neil is survived by his wife of almost 59 years, Jean, and four children; Wes Osburn (Diane), Lauri Thomas (Raymond), Jeff Osburn (Rosalinda), and David Osburn; nine grandchildren, Amy Miesch, Macy Osburn, Joey Thomas, Lauren Palacious, Jeff Osburn, Jr., Ashley Osburn, Travis Osburn, Serra Bowline, Jon Osburn; seven great-grandchildren, Millie Kate, Raychelle, Gavin, Melanie, Zoe, Natalie, and Saffron; and his brother Jim K. Osburn and wife, Patsy. Pallbearers will be Joey Thomas, Raymond Thomas, Jeff Osburn, Jr., Tommy Glezen, Bob Allen, and Randy Ward. Honorary pallbearers will be Dan Brown Ross, Jim Haynes, and Carol Dean VanZandt. Visitation will be Friday, March 4 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Cottle-Pearson Funeral Home, Overton. If you wish, you may make memorials to Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd, Tyler 75701; First Baptist Church, 206 N Rusk, Overton 75684; or Cal Farley’s, PO Box 1890, Amarillo, TX 79105.