Herbert Richard Osborne

The Reverend Herbert Richard Osborne, widower of Frances Rice Osborne, died at his home with his sons in Lexington, Kentucky, on January 10, 2026, following a short illness.

Herb was born on February 22, 1939, in Russell, Kentucky, located in Greenup County, to the late Harry Millard Osborne, Sr. and Carrie Permelia Hensley Osborne. Herb spent most of his early years in Flatwoods, Kentucky. He was an eighth-generation Kentuckian whose ancestors crossed the Cumberland Gap with Daniel Boone, settling in the Greenup County area in the 1820s.

Herb graduated from Russell High School in 1957. He then attended both Union College in Barbourville, Kentucky and Morehead State University in Morehead, Kentucky, where he was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1964.

Herb then enrolled at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky, where he was awarded a Master of Divinity degree in 1968. More importantly, he met Fran at Asbury, fell in love and started a family with her.

Herb pastored several United Methodist Churches throughout rural Kentucky, including Gunns Chapel in Lancaster, Burnside United Methodist Church in Burnside, Sardis United Methodist Church in Somerset, Claylick United Methodist Church in Lawrenceburg and Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church in Covington. Herb also acted as the Director of the Calaski Fellowship in Somerset.

Herb and Fran moved to Lexington, Kentucky with their two sons, David and Brian, in 1976. They made many friends in Lexington, hosting weekly small group prayer meetings in their home, playing the piano and singing, enjoying meals and fellowship with many. Herb greatly enjoyed playing along with Jeopardy and watching old westerns with Fran and his sons throughout his life.

Herb ministered to many people in many capacities in Lexington and surrounding areas over the last half-century, most notably serving 18 years at St. Joseph Hospital as a Chaplain and later Director of Chaplaincy Services. Herb then served an additional four years as a Chaplain in the Hospice Care Center at St. Joseph. Herb presided over numerous weddings and funerals even after retirement and was always ready to provide pastoral counseling to all who needed it, up into his final days.

Herb is survived by his sons, David S. Osborne (Amy) of Cosby, Tennessee and Brian H. Osborne of Lexington, Kentucky. Surviving siblings are Brenda Loyer of Russell, Kentucky and James R. Osborne (Nancy) of Flatwoods, Kentucky.

Herb and Fran were steadfast members of Church of the Savior at 1301 Brannon Road in Nicholasville, Kentucky, where service and visitation will be held on January 23, 2026. Visitation will begin at 11:00 and the funeral service will take place at 1:00. Burial will take place after the service at Lexington Cemetery, 833 West Main Street in Lexington, Kentucky, alongside Fran. All family and friends are welcome. Herb will be greatly missed by the countless individuals who were impacted by his life and his ministry, and his family looks forward to sharing his life with all.

Flowers are accepted. Donations may be made to the Church of the Savior Building Fund.