Individual Details

Death

Max Edward Osborne, age 93 of Trenton, died Wednesday, February 5, 2014. Mr. Osborne was the son of the late Ed Osborne and Cora Belle Stephens Osborne of Rives, Tennessee. He graduated from Union City High School in 1938 and served his country in the Army Air Corp from October 1942 to December 1945. He attended West Tennessee Business College in Memphis, Tennessee before serving in the Army Air Corp during WWII. Upon his discharge, Mr. Osborne came back to Union City, where he sold insurance. Later, he started a trucking business hauling grain and corn from Obion County to Columbus, Mississippi. During this time, he became a member of the Young Farmers and Homemakers of Tennessee and served as President of this organization. In 1948, Mr. Osborne started his career with Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company out of Jackson, Mississippi and later was instrumental in helping to start Tennessee Farm Bureau, serving as Supervisor for the West Tennessee District. He worked in this position until his retirement in 1985. He loved the Lord Jesus and was an active member of Rives United Methodist Church serving as Superintendent, Sunday School teacher, Song Leader, Secretary, Deacon, and Treasurer. Mr. Osborne was married to Ruth Holmes Osborne of Trenton, Tennessee on June 16, 1951 and they resided in Rives, Tennessee until moving to Trenton in September of 2000. Max Osborne unconditionally loved people and spent much of his time and energy investing in and nurturing these life long relationships. He was actively involved with his grandchildren and their activities and always sought any opportunity to take them fishing. From his parents, he learned to sing and enjoy many types of music. As a young adult, he became interested in various types of dancing, such as ballroom and square dancing and was delighted to pass this passion on to his children and grandchildren. Mr. Osborne is preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Cora Belle Osborne; his brother, William Glenn Osborne; and his sisters, Ola Osborne Reeves, Mamie Osborne Woody, and La Nelle Osborne Emery. He is survived by his beloved wife, Ruth Holmes Osborne of 63 years; three daughters, Jennie (Carson) Looney of Memphis, Mary Lynn ( Dr. Mark) Harper of Trenton, and Carol (Dr. Philip) Furr of Memphis; five grandchildren, Lindsay Harper Jakubauskas (Chris) of Nashville, Peyton Harper of Trenton, Elizabeth Looney of Nashville, Nicholas Looney of Knoxville, Clayton Furr of Memphis; and brother, Roy S. Osborne of Rives. The Osborne family sincerely appreciates the prayers and kindness of Max's many friends. He was blessed with a long and happy life, rich friendships, and a loving and generous heart for which his family will always be grateful. He loved the Lord and lived his life as an open book because "your life might be the only book someone might read." Visitation will be held at Shelton Funeral Home in Trenton, Tennessee Friday, February 7th from 4-8 p.m., and funeral service on Saturday, February 8th at 2 p.m. Burial will be at the Trenton Oakland Cemetery immediately following the service. Shelton Funeral Home, (731) 855-1621.
Published in The Jackson Sun on Feb. 7, 2014