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Byron Osborne Obituary
Dr. Byron Lindley (Lin) Osborne, Jr., 90, of Cocoa, Florida, died September 29, 2012.
Lin was born in Cleveland, Ohio, July 22, 1922, of Byron and Ruth Osborne. He graduated from Yale Divinity School and received a Doctor of Theology degree from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri.
Lin pastored Methodist churches in Connecticut, Missouri, and Florida. He was Professor of Religion and Philosophy at Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri. Then he was Professor of World Religions at Brevard Community College in Cocoa, Florida, from 1965 until he retired in 2003. Lin was passionate about making his student's experience come alive and was a pioneer in designing a multimedia classroom surrounded by screens. He created and presented shows that immersed students in a dramatic understanding of the world's religions through his use of colorful images, powerful audio, description, stories, and interaction. Lin was named BCC's 1996 Distinguished Educator.
Lin was preceded in death by his wife of 30 years, Marie; and a sister, Betty Robinson. He is survived by a sister Gerry Williams; a brother Hank; sons Lin, Kent, Scott, Tom, and John; a daughter Susan; 10 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his first wife of 26 years, Lois, with whom he and Marie continued a caring friendship.
There will be a Service of Celebration at 1:30 PM Friday, October 19, 2012 at First United Methodist Church, 3300 N Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931.
To leave a special message of condolence for the family, please visit www.newcomercremation.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Byron Osborne
Ruth Ann Magee Cioci
August 29, 2025
I landed in Dr. Osborne´s class my first year at Stephen´s and he, literally, changed who I was and how I saw the world. I attended seven colleges in all and there was never another professor who meant nearly as much to me. I told him this 60 years ago and now I want his great grandchildren to know how his students loved him and learned from him.
Jon and Nicole DeJulio
May 29, 2025
Dr. Osborne was an inspiration to his students, and set the bar for teaching standards. His World Religions class was an incredible experience, we will never forget.
Craig Lares
January 8, 2024
Dr. Osborne was a bodhisattva, he brought us into the enlightenment, sharing the history of the soul, and the practice of preparing for the journey back to the mystery. He is there.
Susan
May 5, 2022
A remarkable Professor and man he defended me in a grand way when my poem was put down fir being happy.
October 17, 2012
Dr. Osborne's World Religion class was a memorable experience.He was an amazing teacher
Julia Lay
October 15, 2012
Susan I am so sorry for your loss. Love and Prayers Julie Lay
Tracy Santos
October 14, 2012
Dr. Osborne taught my World Religion Class in 1999. He was truly an AMAZING teacher! I still to this day think about him and the things I learned in that class. In addition to being an amazing teacher, it was so obvious he was a kind and honest human being. I am incredibly sad to hear of his passing. The world has lost a true shining star.
Amrita
October 14, 2012
For the seven years I was with him, Lin was my teacher, my husband, and my friend. Each day living with him was an exciting adventure. I am sure he is producing a media show for the angels.
October 14, 2012
Dr. Osborne was my reacher in 1969. An energetic, passionate teacher.
Gregg Keyes
October 14, 2012
Dr. Osborne was my Teacher at BCC in 1966. One of the best and most thought provoking teachers I ever had. One of the handful in my school career I remember. My condolences to his family.
T. Leslie Allen
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