Clarence Walter Osborn, 101 years old, of Lincoln, a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, great great grandfather, son, brother, and friend to all,
passed away and entered into eternal rest on April 5, 2019. Born to Effie and Walter Osborn on January 23rd, 1918, in a covered wagon in Martin, South Dakota bound for Hat Creek Wyoming where the family homesteaded until 1927 when they moved back to a farm near Staplehurst, Nebraska.
Clarence served in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) near Denton, Nebraska and he worked on dairy farms and the railroad in the 1930s. He enlisted in the United States Army in January 1941 where he achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant and served with distinction in the European region during World War II. He was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star with Cluster, a Purple Heart, and five battle stars (Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes Rhineland (Battle of the Bulge), and Central Europe. He received Badges for Rifle Marksmanship, Pistol Sharpshooter, Bayonet expert, and Combat Infantry.
Clarence married Betty Hunt on January 21, 1949 and they were married for 70 years and raised two children. Clarence retired from Outboard Marine (formerly Cushman Motor Works) in 1982 after 37 years of employment. Clarence and Betty enjoyed walking, bicycling, hiking, camping, and traveling across the United States, and participating in patriotic, athletic, and parade events representing military, senior citizens, and active and healthy lifestyles. Clarence was a member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart in Lincoln, Nebraska, and he was awarded a Quilt of Valor from the Veteran’s Auxiliary and a Veteran’s brick at Lincoln’s Veteran’s Garden in Antelope Park.
During his retirement, Clarence enjoyed meeting and making new friends and he was recognized for his volunteer contributions in the community, including the Senior Center, Life Lines, Lincoln Public Schools, Lincoln General Hospital, and the previously listed athletic events. He joined the Lincoln Track Club and he ran and competed in numerous running events (e.g. the Cornhusker State Games, Local and National Senior Games, full and half marathons (e.g. Lincoln, Omaha, Richfield, Pikes Peak), 10k (e.g. Buffalo, Bolder Boulder), and other running races. He participated in the Tabitha Miles for Meals Run on March 30, 2019. Clarence was honored with the Nebraska Governor’s Healthy Lifestyle Award, received many medals and awards for his running achievements, and carried the torch at the Cornhusker State Games. Some of Clarence’s favorite hymns are “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”, “Jesus Loves Me”, and “Amazing Grace” which he learned as a young boy. He often recited the Lord’s Prayer and during WWII, he carried a Bible that was given to him by his mother.
Clarence is survived by his wife Betty and his two children – Viola Caddell (Ralph) of Milford, Nebraska and John Osborn (Cindy) of Longmont, Colorado. He is also survived by his five grandchildren (Cathy Radke (Greg) of Seward; Ralph Caddell of Lincoln; Duane Caddell of Fairbury; Tracy Deba (Jamie) of Longmont, Colorado; and Brian Osborn (Sarah) of Aurora, Colorado) and eleven great grandchildren (Micaella Johnson (Earik) of Fremont; Stephanie Sell (Brice) of Hastings; Vicki Radke of Seward; Andrew, Alexia, Brielle, and Ashlynn Deba of Longmont, Colorado; and Evan, Natalie, Colin, and Blake Osborn of Aurora, Colorado) and one great great grandchild (Emma Johnson). Clarence was preceded in death by his infant daughter (Vicki), parents, six sisters, three brothers, and his son-in-law Ralph.
Clarence will be buried in the Seward Cemetery, Seward, Nebraska on Tuesday, April 9, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. Family and friends may gather at the cemetery prior to the services. lieu of flowers, family requests memorials in his name be sent to the Military Order of the Purple Heart in Lincoln, Nebraska, the Lincoln Track Club, or Tabitha Health Care Services. Condolences may be left at trumpmemorials.com. Trump Funeral Services, 1600 West “O” Street, Lincoln are handling the arrangements.
What an extraordinary man! A well lived life and so many accomplishments & exceptional sacrifice & service for his country! Eternal blessings & condolences to the family.
Such and energetic man all his life. He was always smiling and had tons of stories he could tell you. The passion he expressed when telling them showed the love he had for his family and the country he served. He was truely one in a million!! May God be with his precious family and friends through this time!
Linda and Gary
Thank you for your kind words and memories
I enjoyed visiting with Clarence regularly while he was under hospice care. He was such a delight. We shared a mutual fondness for hymns, our favorites being much the same. We talked much about God having a purpose for him living so long in order to touch so many lives. I will miss my visits with him.
Rayl Robbins, Tabitha
Clarence was a true inspiration. I first knew of him, “the legend” when I began my running aspirations many years ago. My goal then was always “if this 90+ year old man can do this, then so can I”. He had such a great outlook on life. I got the chance to know him during my practicum time at Tabitha. He certainly could light up a room with his laughter, smiles, and jokes! He was a joy to be around and our world is a better place for having him in it. Peace.
Thank you for your wonderful words of our dad.
Our Dad was a special man who we all loved and admired. Thank you everyone for loving, assisting, and encouraging our Dad and family. Our Dad was our shiny star!!! Phil 2:15 & 1 Cor 9:24
I knew Clarence and Betty when she volunteered at the YWCA in the ’80’s. Clarence would stop by after training for his latest marathon,and sometimes join in, making gifts for children to buy at the Children’s Holiday Shopping Bazaar. I always knew I would find his name at the top of finishers in his age group at the Lincoln marathons! He was such an inspiration.Condolences to Betty and the family.
Clarence Osborn’s life and accomplishments exemplify a person from America’s Greatest Generation !
Clarence you were my inspiration to start running many years back! Your smiling face will be remembered and missed by many! Blessings & condolences to the family.
Several years ago Clarence would stop by a house I used to live in and collect the cans we would save for him. He was such a delight to visit with. I have since moved from that home, and I have been thinking about him lately and how he was doing. I knew he was in his 90’s when I last saw him, and it made me sad to see he left this earth.
I don’t think Clarence had anything but a smile on his face any time I saw him too. Rest in peace Clarence, you will be missed by many!