OSBORN, Ralph Joseph

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona, Thursday, June 05, 2014 Ralph Joseph Osborn, age 86, went to rest peacefully at Western Arizona Regional Medical Center in Bullhead City, Ariz., on Friday, May 23, 2014. Ralph was born on July 31, 1927, in Alton, Ill. to David Wesley Osborn and Mary Bessie Osborn (Armes). He grew up with brothers Homer and Richard, and sisters Alice and Opal. Ralph left high school to serve in the United States Merchant Marine during WWII and the U.S. Army immediately following the war. In 1945, Ralph moved to Phoenix, Ariz., where, in 1948, he met and married the love of his life, Erna Mae Lehman. Together they raised their family. Ralph enjoyed a distinguished career with the U.S. Postal Service, retiring after 31 years as a postal supervisor. The couple worshipped and served in several Southern Baptist Churches in the Phoenix area. In 1981, Ralph and Mae moved to Chino Valley, Ariz., where they were active members of the First Southern Baptist Church. Ralph served as councilmember on the Chino Valley Town Council from 1984 to 1985 and as vice-mayor from 1985 to 1988. Both he and Mae assisted with the Meals on Wheels Program for a number of years. On Saturday, June 14, a celebration of the life of Ralph Joseph Osborn will be at 1 p.m. at the First Southern Baptist Church in Chino Valley. Ralph is survived by his children, David Lee Osborn (Zenita), Steven Frank Osborn (Denice), and Laura Mae Back (Gerry); 13 grandchildren; and 29 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife Erna Mae Osborn, daughter-in-law Dona Osborn and granddaughter Gloria Osborn. Ralph's family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to Honor Flight Arizona, P.O. Box 12258, Prescott, AZ 86304. Information provided by survivors.