Franklin Delano Osborne

Franklin Osborne Obituary

OSBORNE SGM (U.S. Army Ret.) Franklin Delano, born in Hite, KY, on Nov 11, 1936, a resident of Knoxville, TN, went to join his loving wife of 46 years in heaven after a long illness on Sep 9, 2008. SGM Osborne honorably served his country for 24 years in the United States Army and was the recipient of several medals for his service, including the Silver Star for valor and the Purple Heart, in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. SGM Osborne is survived by his daughters Lisa Osborne, a resident of Florida and Crystal Osborne and his granddaughter, Shelby Osborne both residents of Lexington, KY. SGM Osborne is also survived by multiple brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews. A full military funeral will be held at a date to be announced later.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lexington Herald-Leader on Sep. 11, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Franklin Osborne

8 Entries

Scott Gray

October 27, 2008

Frank Osborn and I met through my father-in-law, Jack Wheeler. Jack had talked about Frank and his exploits for years before I finally got to meet him. From the first I was impressed! Frank was a spiritied man with a deep rooted passion for America. He was knowledgeable on every subject and was one of the strongest patriots I've ever met. In my fathers later years, Frank and Dad became email buds. My father also was impressed with Frank , his thoughts for today and tomorrow and his patriotism. My father and I are both Major Generals in the USAF. We both learned from this Army SNCO! We both counted Frank as a friend and mentor and were proud to serve with him. May he rest in peace and smile forever as he looks down at those of us he touched! God Bless the USA!

Cari Faanes-Blakey

September 29, 2008

Frank was one of my favorite credit union members back in the old days. Later, he and Carol were some of my favorite real estate customers. I loved helping them move from Florida to Tennessee...Frank reminded me so much of my Dad and he loved to ask my husband all kinds of computer questions. Wish we would have kept a copy of his autobiography in progress. What a fascinating man and a great American. Best of all, he and Carol loved each other more than any couple I could think of and that was so cool to watch. I hope Max has found a good home. I miss my old feline buddy...

Evelyn Jones

September 29, 2008

To the family of Frank, Just want to express my Sympathy. Frank was a member of Class 2 USASMA with my husband, That is where I met & became friends with Carol, We all went to Germany together, We lost contact as a lot of Army families do. But when My husdand passed away, in 05 Frank was able to make it to Kansas for Norm's Funeral. Thank you Frank, for a lot of Support. Evelyn Jones

Bill Paul

September 14, 2008

Frank Osborne was only fifteen years old when I had the great good fortune of marrying into his remarkable family on March 9, 1952. My bride was a beautiful Air Force Nurse--- his older sister, Janice.
A couple of years later---shortly after Frank enlisted in the Army---he visited us at our home in Atlanta on his way to nearby Fort Benning for more training. He was still only a wisp of a boy in stature, and I recall thinking, “How is this fragile little kid going to cope in the often rough and dangerous life of a soldier?”
In time, as I learned more about all his service-driven family I told myself, “Boy, was I wrong!! I should have known better.” Not only did Frank rise to the rank of Sergeant-Major; each of his three full-brothers also achieved that or the equally prestigious rank of Master-Sergeant in serving our country. And that service did not end with him and his brothers. His three sisters served as well, Janice and Dolores as U.S. Air Force Nurses and Winifred as a teenaged worker in a shipyard during World War II.
Yes, Frank Osborne was often stubborn as a blue-nosed mule, but he also was a true American Hero whose military career crested on November 11, 1965 (his twenty-ninth birthday) in a fierce and uphill four--hour battle in Cu Chi Viet Nam, after which he was justifiably decorated for valor for his heroic actions that day.
As we in Atlanta often say of our heros, “If this man had been with us, Sherman would never have taken Atlanta!!”
May God bless you, Frank; I hope to see you on the other side!

Annie Howard

September 11, 2008

Frank will be missed here in Fountain City. I will miss hearing all of his stories and takes on what is going on in the world.

Evelyn Hood

September 11, 2008

I am so sorry to hear about Frank's passing. I am really going to miss all his war stories. We was a very honorable and knowledgeable man. We are truly going to miss you Frank.

John F. "Jack" Wheeler

September 11, 2008

SGM, USA, Ret, Franklin Delano Osborne a great friend for over thirty years, a fellow professional soldier and Army retiree whom I first met when he was my replacement as an Army JRROTC Instructor at Riverview HS, SArasota, FL in July 1977 then working together for the Postal Service for over twenty years.

We shared many a beer togehther, traveled to Europe in 1985, and to Boston in 2000 to join the "Swift Boat Crew" and spent many leisure hours together remenising about our Army days and worldly adventures.

Frank, I salute you as a true friend, professional soldier, and a real American.

May you rest in peace

Barb Hale

September 11, 2008

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I will miss my "spirited" discussions about politics with Uncle Frank.

The Socialist

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results