Eugene Paul Osborne

Eugene Osborne, age 97, passed away on September 23, 2024 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was born on July 24, 1927 in Youngstown Ohio to (Florence) Jessie and Albert Osborne, the oldest of two children. As a child, Gene enjoyed outdoor activities with neighbor friends, went fishing with his dad, and loved music. Both parents were talented musicians, so after Gene began taking saxophone lessons, they formed a small band that played for social groups, and played on Sundays with the church orchestra. At South High School, Gene played in the marching band and in local dance bands. His mother forbade him to play in any bars, which limited his participation with other bands. In July 1945, during the last months of World War II, he joined the Navy, feeling he should do his part. The war ended before he finished his training and he was given an honorable discharge in September 1945. He enrolled back in high school and graduated in January 1946. He graduated from Youngstown State College in 1955, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.

Gene married June Harriett Bradshaw on June 18, 1950 in Youngstown Ohio. They lived in Youngstown and Columbus OH, Elmhurst and Decatur IL, Fort Wayne IN, Lincoln NE, and Mesa AZ. Gene and June raised two children, Jeff and Jane. Gene and June traveled extensively throughout the US and England, including 16 cruises. In the last three months of his life, Gene moved to Colorado Springs to be closer to his daughter.

In his working days, Gene was an executive with the Boy Scouts of America, was the Business Administrator of several large churches, and held jobs in sales, painting, and accounting. He served as the manager of a condo association for 30 years, retiring from this position at age 90.

Music was always a huge part of his life, learning the organ as an adult after throat surgery prevented him from playing the saxophone. He enjoyed playing organ concerts for his fellow residents at Fellowship Square-Mesa. He loved dogs and relished being outside. Gene always had a smile on his face, and was a gentle man who had a quiet strength. He waited until his moment and kindly said his light-hearted, happy, supportive, positive comment. Gene was an honest man who kept his word and treated everyone with dignity. He attended church every Sunday, practiced forgiveness, and honored God with his life’s faithfulness.

Gene is survived by his son Jeff and daughter-in-law Peggy; daughter Jane Sandstrom; many nieces and nephews; cousin Janet Svetichan; and countless friends. He is preceded in death by his wife, June; sister, Grace; son-in-law Greg Sandstrom, and numerous cousins/friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on October 28, 2024 at 2:30pm at Fellowship Square, 6945 E. Main Street in Mesa Arizona. He will be interred at the Velda Rose United Methodist Church columbarium. Special thanks to the nurses at UCHealth Memorial North Hospital for giving Gene compassionate care in his final days. The family requests memorial gifts be made to Fellowship Square-Mesa, 6945 E. Main Street, Mesa, Arizona 85207.