Robert B. Osborn (1983)

OSBORN, STANDING

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler (email)
Date: 1/19/2009 at 15:30:52

Earlham Echo – September 22, 1983
Earlham, Iowa

Robert B. Osborn was born on March 11, 1903 to William and Samantha “Bond” Osborn. His parents were members of the Society of Friends and Robert remained a lifelong member of the Friends.

Most of his early years were spent on farms in southeastern Kansas, except for a short stay in the Imperial Valley in California and a year near the Gulf of Mexico in Texas. In 1925, having completed his schooling at the Friends Academy at Spring River Meeting near Galena, Kansas he came to Iowa to attend Scattergood School at West Branch. It was during this time that he met Elsie Standing of Earlham, Iowa. They were married August 31, 1929 at the Bear Creek Meeting near Earlham. They returned to Kansas and farmed for nine years. During this time, their sons, Charles, Lawrence, Francis and Otis were born. In 1938 they moved to a farm north of Earlham, Iowa where their daughter, Osa, was born. The Osborns bought a farm near Dexter, Iowa in 1942 and lived there until 1953, when the farm was sold.

In 1953, Robert and Elsie were employed at Olney Friends Boarding School in Barnesville, Ohio. Their association with Olney lasted for six years, including a year of leave which was spent in Costa Rica, visiting their son, Lawrence.

In 1960, Robert and Elsie returned to Iowa and settled at Earlham. For 12 years, they owned and operated a Dairy Queen in Earlham before retiring in 1972. In retirement, Robert enjoyed a number of activities including fishing, woodworking and gardening.

After a lingering and debilitating illness, Robert passed away on Friday, September 16 at 9:30 p.m. He is survived by his wife, Elsie, their five children, 18 grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and one brother, Paul.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Ralph, Herman and Charles and one grandson, Jimmy.

Services were held Monday, September 19, 1983 at the Bear Creek Conservative Meeting House. Pallbearers were Nicholas Knight, Steven Osborn, Allen Treadway, Roy Knight, Ellis Standing, Daniel Treadway and Russell Leckband. Interment was at Bear Creek Cemetery in Dallas County, Iowa.

Professional arrangements by McKee Funeral Homes, Earlham and Dexter.