Ralph Gilbert Osburn
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Ralph Gilbert Osburn passed away on June 12, 2023, at age 85, at Overland Park Regional Medical Center near his home in Lawrence, Kansas. Gilbert, the eldest son of William Dessie “Buster” Osburn and Macie Marie Eslinger (Osburn), was born on October 1, 1937, at the Indian Hospital in Claremore, Oklahoma. He attended elementary schools in the Lowery and Liberty communities north of Tahlequah, OK, then moved to Tahlequah when he was 20 years old.
Gilbert was a hard-working farm boy and was a talented athlete throughout his school years. He was an outstanding baseball player for the Tahlequah High School Tigers, known for his hitting abilities, once hitting three out of the park home runs in a single game. Gilbert was also a talented carpenter. He attended Northeastern State University receiving a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Arts/Education. Gilbert played baseball at NSU as well, with one of his many home runs measuring 450 feet. Later in life, he became an adamant golfer, often winning long drive competitions in local tournaments.
Following graduation from NSU Gilbert taught industrial arts at high schools in Missouri and Oklahoma, and then at Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, KS. During his time at Haskell, Gilbert earned a Master’s in English from Oklahoma State University, commuting during weekends summers to complete his degree. He taught English at Haskell for decades. After his retirement from Haskell, he continued to work, again teaching industrial arts at Baldwin High School in Baldwin City, KS, and then as caretaker at the First Presbyterian Church in Lawrence, KS.
Gilbert was preceded in death by his parents Macie and Buster Osburn, and a brother Eugene Corky Osburn.
He is survived by his two sons, Jason Osburn of San Diego, CA, and Seth Osburn of Los Angeles, CA.
He is also survived by four siblings, Thomas Ronald (Ron) Osburn of Guthrie, OK, Irene Osburn (Stone) of Frisco, TX, John Lee Osburn of Siloam Springs, AR, and Marjorie Osburn (Swim) of Tahlequah, OK.
My sincere condolences to the family. Gilbert was such a sweet man. I cut his hair, many times, at Great Clips. I remember one time, specifically, how touched he was when given a free cut, for Veterans Day. When I told him there was no charge, his eyes welled up, and he thanked me. So special. Much love, Cindy
My condolences to the Osborn family. My father knew him from Tahlequah and again as they worked together at Haskell. He was a good friend of my dad Andy Girty. A friendly and caring teacher to our Native students. And it sounds like he definitely left a legacy everywhere he taught. RIP Mr. Osborn!
My condolences to Mason and Seth and his family. I worked with Gilbert at BJHS in a class for Facs an votech 7th graders. He was a kind, generous mentor to the students and great teaching partner. I have many great memories.
RIP Gilbert.
My condolences to the Osborn family. I moved into the house next to Gilbert in July, 2015. On 1 October of that year, I awoke to a yard full of flamingos, planted there by my son to celebrate my birthday. When I told Gilbert why they were there, he said that it was his birthday, too. So we have sort of celebrated our birthdays each year since. And Gilbert would always talk about the flamingos. I will miss him. RIP Gilbert.
I taught with Gilbert at Haskell Nations University. He was a popular instructor because of his patience and kind mannerism.
He was a joy to be with everyone. RIP