Leon Franklin Osborne, Sr. was called home on November 19, 2020.
A private family burial will be at White Deer Cemetery on November 30, 2020, with a memorial and celebration of life to be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors.
The youngest of 11, he was born on October 5, 1920, on the family farm outside of White Deer, Texas to Minerva Jane (Harris) and John Nicholas Osborne, with his older siblings being Fleda, John, Jennie, Gladis, Inez, Evelyn, Laura, Iva Ruth, Lansin, and Sam. During World War II, Leon served in the US Army Air Corps. He later married Dorothy Marie Poe on June 7, 1947, in Pampa, TX, and they had two children Becky and Leon, Jr.
For 100 years, Leon watched history unfold before his eyes. He was a life-long resident of White Deer and worked as a welder and farmer for most of his life before retiring. He was always willing to help others and was a friend to many. He liked working on a good project from house remodeling to small engine repair to help out family and friends. When farming, he enjoyed plowing the fields with the moon and stars shining. Leon and Dorothy loved traveling and spent their retirement visiting family throughout the country. When not helping others, you could find him drinking coffee in downtown White Deer visiting with others. His favorite meal was an old-fashioned hamburger and chocolate malt.
Leon was the last surviving family member of John & Minerva Osborne. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dorothy, son, Leon Jr., son-in-law Darrell Gililland Sr. He is survived by his daughter, Becky Gililland of Lubbock, TX, daughter-in-law, Kathy Osborne, of Grand Forks, ND. Leon’s grandchildren include John and Mike Osborne both of Grand Forks, ND, and Kurt Osborne of Minneapolis, MN; Dr. DJ Gililland and wife Andrea of Lubbock, TX; Cassandra (Gililland) Bond and husband Aaron of South Point, OH; Dr. Chuck Gililland and wife Melissa of Buffalo Gap, TX. His five great-grandchildren are Fionna Osborne, Abby, Caleb, & Emily Gililland, and Taylor Gililland. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
