Paul Osborn

Paul Osborn, age 83, of Norman, formerly of Newcastle, passed away Sunday, June 18, 2017 at the Arbor House in Norman. Paul was born on September 19, 1933 in Cornith, Arkansas. He was the 4th of five children born to Rufus Jackson Osborn and Georgia Anna (Davis) Osborn. Paul grew up a country boy, working in the broomcorn fields, chopping cotton, and hauling hay near Bradley, OK. He attended Bradley schools and graduated with the class of 1952. Shortly after turning eighteen, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he proudly served 2 years helping rebuild Germany and France as part of the occupational forces after World War II. He returned home to Oklahoma after the military and began college at East Central University in Ada in 1955. He graduated in 1960 with a Bachelor's degree in Language Arts and Elementary Education. Later, he earned a Master's degree in Education from the University of Oklahoma. Paul married in 1958 and raised two children, Paula and Keith. His later began teaching in Cox City, then Bridge Creek, and later Rush Springs. In 1965 moved to Newcastle where he taught English and Speech. In 1969, he decided to become a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for the Oklahoma State Department of Rehabilitation and eventually retired in 1995. In this role, Paul served students at several high schools in the OKC area. He was primarily tasked with assisting mentally and physically handicapped students obtain either gainful employment or continuing their education. After he was honorably discharged from active duty, Paul spent 26 years in the Army Reserves with the 95th Infantry Division as a medic. He retired from the Reserves as a Master Sergeant in 1993. Shortly after moving to Newcastle in 1965, he joined the Newcastle First Baptist Church. He faithfully attended Wednesday and Sunday services, enjoyed teaching Sunday school and singing in the choir. He was a devout Christian and member of the Church for over 50 years. He was active in the Faith and Fitness exercise club and the Jolly Elders club. Paul was popular with the children at church and in the community. For many years he handed out bubble-gum to the children and was known throughout the city as "The Bubble-Gum Man". Paul devoted his life to helping students and people in the community of Newcastle. For 11 years he served on the Newcastle City Council and had been vice mayor. He was a member of the Rehabilitation Counseling Association. He loved going to the Newcastle Senior Citizens Center, and Square Dancing with the Spirit of 76 Square Dance Club. Most of all, Paul loved his children, his grandchildren and spending time with Frances Brown. Together they enjoyed traveling in the motor home, square dancing, and going to O.U. football games. He was preceded in death by: Parents, Rufus and Georgia Osborn; One brother, Edward Osborn; One sister, Frances Roddy; He is survived by: One brother, Hank Osborn; One sister, Dorothy Delois Schoolfield; The love of his life, Frances Brown of OKC; His children, Keith Osborn of Norman, Paula Flowers and husband David of Edmond; Four grandchildren, Jamie and Jessica Flowers, Derek and Sidney Osborn; Also several nieces, nephews, and other relatives and a host of friends. Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Friday, June 23, 2017 at the First Baptist Church in Newcastle. Interment will be at the Bradley Cemetery in Bradley, OK. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Cancer Society. Arrangements are by Wilson-Little Funeral Home in Newcastle. Send online condolences @www.wilsonlittle.com

Paul Osborn

September 19, 1933 - June 18, 2017