Fred W. Osburn

Fred Osburn, 83, died at home on Sunday, May 23, 2004, surrounded by family. His hallmark humor, courage and dignity were evident, even as his strength failed. Born April 25, 1921 in Maple, OK, to Pearl Bigfeather Osburn and Jesse James Osburn, he qualified proudly as a member of the roll of the Cherokee Nation. He pursued career carpentry in the Civilian Conservation Corps from 1937 to 1939 and it turned out to be his calling. He and his high school sweetheart, Berniece Wallace, were married September 7, 1940 in a union that was to last 64 years and produce five children, 12 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren as well as a hub of generous hospitality and warmth to which family and friends were, and are welcomed weekly. A veteran of WWII, Fred served in the USMC from 1944 to 1946 in the South Pacific. Fred was a Scottish Rite Mason, member of Ararat Shrine, and Order of Quetzacoatl and the Royal Order of Jesters within that group, and active in the many Shrine fundraising events for burn hospitals for children. Another of his Shrine activities, The Ol� Car Club, exemplified his enthusiasm for vintage automobiles, especially Ford. Among the cars he restored and showed were a 1964 Mustang, a 1940 Ford, a 1968 Edsel and a Galaxie with retractable top. A member of U.A.W., the Carpenter�s Union, and Eastland Baptist Church, he was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Eugene, John E., and Albert. Surviving relatives include brothers Joseph, Lee, Ray, Jesse Jr., Eddie and Clifford (Kip); also daughters Freda Schroeder, Freddie Wise, Elouise Pippinger, Darlene Peterson, and son, Daryl Osburn. He is survived by 12 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren. Services will be 2:00 pm Thursday at Speaks Memorial Chapel, 39th at M-291 Highway, 816-373-3600. Visitation will be 6-8 pm with a Masonic Service at 7:00 pm Wednesday at the chapel. Burial will be at Mt. Washington Cemetery. Contributions to Ararat Shrine Children's Fund or Cancer Action.