Ray F. "Ozz / Bud" Osborn of Defiance, peacefully passed away on Saturday, October 1, 2016 at his residence in Defiance.

A longtime resident, he was born on December 25, 1929 to Raymond and Mabel (Rittenhouse) Osborn in Defiance, Ohio. He learned a strong work ethic at an early age, first learning to set pins at the local bowling alley, then maintaining two paper routes. This work ethic carried forward throughout his life in everything that he accomplished. 

He attended Defiance High school where he was a standout athlete in football and track. His football feats continue to be remembered to this day; he maintains the second longest touchdown run (95 yards) in DHS history, fourth on the all time career DHS touchdown list (37), and second on the all time top career scoring list (238 points). As a sprinter, his outstanding track records include the 100 yard dash (10.0) and the 220 yard dash (22.4). In 1949 The Crescent-News reported that Osborn, "an all around performer, was the type of athlete that comes along once in about a decade." He was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame in 1993.

Ray served our country as a Sgt. First Class 43rd Division in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1957. While drafted for the Korean War, his football prowess followed him to Germany where he was recruited to play for the 102nd Infantry Regiment. There "Ozz" won many awards as the best player on the team. After this he was promoted to First Sgt. of the Holding Team.

On August 23, 1953 he married Joanna (DelGuidice) Osborn, who proceeded him in death on March 26, 2016. Ray worked for 31 years at Johns Manville as a Supervisor in shipping, and was a Production Superintendant, retiring in 1989.

He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church. He helped organize & obtain donations for the Food Pantry, was an usher, and a former member of the noodle club. Ray was a volunteer for Hospice Auxiliary, enjoyed bowling, playing softball & basketball, golf, playing cards, watching the Ohio State Buckeyes and Chicago Bear football teams, family camping vacations, and wintering in Florida with friends. He enjoyed serving as an Honor Guard with the VFW for funeral services, and he supported veterans around the country.

Ray will be sadly missed by his family; daughters, Lori (Dick) Kiser of Lakeside Marblehead, Ohio, Barbara (Bill) Jordan of Zolfo Springs, Florida, Patti Wood of Grass Lake, Michigan, and Constance (Scott) Schultz of Toledo, Ohio, son RJ (Lori Lynn) Osborn of Continental, Ohio, seven grandchildren; Kerri Greene, Leslie Mahan, Sarah Wood, Roman Jarek Osborn, Zachary Schultz, Tyler Osborn, and Addison Osborn, four great-great grandchildren; Olivia Greene, Jacob Yoder, Malina Mahan, and Xavier Wood, sister, Nancy Gearig, brothers-in-law, LeRoy Copsey and Ronald Burdine, and sisters-in-law, Nancy Osborn and Fran Blake.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Joanna, sister, Rita Copsey, brother, Jack Osborn, and grandson, Robert Wood.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to Rose Pessefall, family friend for her loving care and friendship, and to the staff at CHP Hospice for their caring way.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 pm, and 6:00 to 8:00 pm with a 7:30 pm vigil service on Friday, October 14, 2016 at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance, Ohio. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, October 15, 2016 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Defiance, with Father Randy Giesige officiating. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery, with military graveside rites accorded by VFW Post #3360.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to St. Mary Food Pantry, or VFW Post #3360. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.