Thomas Howard Osburn

Funeral Services for Mr. Thomas Howard Osburn, age 85 of Lineville, will be held on Friday, January 2, 2025 at Benefield Funeral Home in Lineville at 2:00 P.M. with Pastor Craig McClure officiating. Burial will follow at the Lineville City Cemetery. His visitation will begin at 12:00 P.M. until service time at 2:00 P.M. A repast will be held at the funeral home following the graveside service.
Thomas Osburn passed away peacefully at his home in Lineville, Alabama, on December 25, 2025, leaving behind a legacy grounded in hard work, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to family. Thomas was a devoted husband to Verlin Osburn, who predeceased him in 2020. Their marriage was a foundational part of his life and family. He was also a devoted father to three children and a proud grandfather to four grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He retired from Peoples Gas in Chicago, Illinois, after dedicating many years of service, where he was widely respected for his strong work ethic, technical expertise, and reliability. Following his retirement, Thomas relocated to Alabama, initially residing in Anniston while his home was being built in Lineville-a place he ultimately made his permanent home and where his final resting place will be. In addition to his professional career, Thomas was an entrepreneur and tradesman at heart. He owned and operated Osburn Heating and Cooling in both Chicago, Illinois, and Alabama. He was also a skilled mechanic and a trusted handyman, always willing and able to fix, build, or improve whatever was needed. His hands-on abilities, practical knowledge, and problem-solving mindset made him a dependable resource for family, friends, and neighbors alike. Thomas was known as much for his personality as for his skillset. A natural jokester with a quick wit, he brought laughter into every space he entered. His humor left a lasting impression on all who knew him. Gardening was one of Thomas's greatest passions. He cultivated a wide variety of vegetables and generously shared his harvest with neighbors in both Chicago and Lineville, Alabama. His Alabama home was often described as resembling a botanical garden, surrounded by an abundance of big, beautiful flowers that reflected his patience, care, and appreciation for natural beauty. He also enjoyed fishing and grilling, finding joy in simple moments spent outdoors. Thomas Osburn will be remembered for his strong work ethic, entrepreneurial spirit, mechanical skill, generous heart, infectious humor, and the beauty he cultivated-both in his gardens and in the lives of those around him. His legacy will continue to thrive through the many lives he touched and the family he cherished.
Mr. Osburn is survived by one daughter, Nicole Jeneen Osburn (James Madison Mike Sr.) of Sanford, FL; two sons: Micah Kevin Osburn (Senethia Renee) of Columbus, OH and Bryan Kell'I Osburn of Chicago, Il; four grandchildren: Rian Makai Osburn (Fiance Martin Gordan), BreAnna Arbuckle, Destiny Kleeman, and Malik Alamin Parham (Itzel Belem Negrete Sanchez Parham); one great-grandchild, Terrance Davis; two sisters: Effie Cannon of Chicago, Il and Linda Faye Morrer of Birmingham; two brothers: Billy James Osburn (Mary) and Gerald Osburn; one sister in law, Joyce Osburn, all of Birmingham; two Aunts: Earline Russell of Tuscaloosa and Thelma Thomas of Andalusia, plus a large extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Callie and Mattie Lee Russell Osburn; his wife, Verlin Heflin Osburn; two sisters: Shirley O. Kelley and Barbara Dickerson; and three brothers: Clarence, Larry, and Bruce Osburn.
Active Pallbearers will be Micah Osburn, Bryan Osburn, Gerald Osburn, Malik Parham, Tommy Holloway, and James Mike Sr.
The family wishes to thank all friends, neighbors, and loved ones for their support, prayers, and acts of kindness during this time of loss.
Send online condolences to benefieldfuneralhome.com
Benefield Funeral Home in Lineville is in charge of arrangements.