John Wesley Osborne

John Wesley Osborne, 79, of Morehead, KY, husband of Mary “Peggy” Malone Osborne, passed away Friday, January 22, 2021, at Baptist Health in Lexington, KY.

Born February 11, 1941, in Barbourville, KY, he was the son of John Samuel and Othella Bolton Osborne.  He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Harold Osborne, who died in a military plane crash in 1954 while serving in the U.S. Air Force. 

On January 14, 1974, John married Mary Peggy Malone, the love of his live and began a beautiful journey creating a life together.  John is also survived by two sons: John A. Osborne of Jamestown, KY, and James W. Osborne (Shannon) of Russell Springs, KY; grandchildren: Jessica Peroff (Jamison) of Van Nuys, CA, James A. Osborne (Kori) of Great Lakes, IL, Haley Blevins (Thomas) of Russell Springs, KY, Brandon Withers (Alisha) of Russell Springs, KY; great grandchildren: Makenzie, Quinton, Corbin, Megan, Dylan, and Abby; a sister, Geraldine Osborne Marcum (Bill) of Paducah, KY, as well as nieces and nephews and extended family.

John began working with his father and later founded Osborne Tax Services in 1974.  He and his wife Peggy operated the business both in Morehead and Russell Springs/Jamestown, KY, until their retirement in 2013.  John enjoyed a successful extended career in income tax preparation and consulting.

In addition to the income tax service, John was Associate Professor of Accounting at Morehead State University until he retired in 1998.  John started the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program at MSU and was advisor to Phi Kappa Alpha.

John served as Captain and was very proud of his service in the U.S. Army where he received the Bronze Star.  The Bronze Star Medal is awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces for meritorious service in a combat zone.  After returning from Vietnam, John continued his service in the National Guard for several years.

He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Morehead, KY.

In the community and among his friends, John was best known for his insatiable love of outdoor sports.  He spent many hours with family and friends both locally and across the country fishing, hunting, and playing golf.  He also loved the time he shared with his special friends “Thursday night” poker crew.  He had a quick wit and was at ease talking with anyone in ear shot.  He loved to tell stories (big and small, real and fiction).  He spent countless evenings telling bedtime stories to grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.  He was a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, and pa. 

John’s divine plan was extended several times when he lived beyond medical expectations, not once, but several times throughout his 79 years on Earth.  God has been so kind to give us this time to create wonderful memories of a life well lived.

The family extends their gratitude for all the prayers supporting them. 

Visitation in Morehead, KY, will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, January 24, 2021, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals.  A celebration of his life will be conducted 10 a.m. Monday, January 25, 2021, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Aaron Mansfield and the Rev. Matthew Kimmons officiating. John’s “Thursday night” poker crew will serve as honorary pallbearers.  The service will be livestreamed on Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals Facebook page beginning at 10 a.m.

Visitation in Jamestown, KY, will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, January 25, 2021, at H. E. Pruitt Memory Chapel. A military graveside service will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 26, 2021, at Bethel Cemetery in Jamestown.  Wendell Roberts, minister, will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to MSU Foundation, John and Peggy Osborne Scholarship, 150 University Blvd., P O Box 1887, Morehead, KY 40351 or Alumni.moreheadstate.edu/Osborne.

COVID-19 mandates will be observed including masks and social distancing.

View video tribute or sign guestbook at www.northcuttandson.com 

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