John Robert “Buzzy” Osban, age 84, from New Harmony, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Deaconess Gateway Heart Hospital.
In his younger days, John loved to hunt, fish, and shoot with anyone that would tag along. He and his wife would fill many afternoons and evenings following the Nascar races. John was a simple man, often not saying too much, unless necessary, but, when he was especially talkative and you really paid attention to what he was saying, you would undoubtedly learn something you didn’t know. He was a kind, loyal and generous soul when called on to help and would never betray the trust bestowed on him for any reason.
John was a past member of the Moose, Westside Sportsman’s Club, and has been a member of the American Legion for many years. He had the privilege of going on the Southern Indiana Honor Flight in October of 2019. This was a day we will never forget, and everyone should participate at least once in their lives. The heartfelt love and appreciation shown to our Veterans was incomparable to anything ever seen.
John enlisted in the United States Air Force when he graduated from high school and made this career for 21 years traveling with his family to many countries around the world. He was a Linguistics Specialist and Translator and taught Russian at Syracuse University and the Monterey Language Center. After retiring, he came home and had worked at GAF, Martin’s Garage, and the Ultem Crib and laydown yard at General Electric.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Norma Sue (Kelly) Osban, daughters, Helena Linck, Theresa Hoyd, Kristina (Tony) Rutledge, and Jolene (Jeff) Zenthofer, sister Dorothy Garrett, sister-in-law Judy Miller, 10 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents Robert K. and Bernadine (Fischer) Osban, sister Mary Ann Schmitt, brothers-in-law Ronald Miller, Johnny Garrett and James Schmitt, sons-in-law JR Hoyd and Victor Linck, and nieces Debbie (Garrett) Gose and Lora (Schmitt) Gipe.
A memorial service for family will be held at Denning Funeral Home with military rites provided by the Own Dunn Post #5 American Legion on Friday, February 18, 2022 at 11:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana, or Kosair Children’s Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky.