IN MEMORIAM:  Jon Osborn, 75;

Retired Trooper, Top Oneonta Elk

ONEONTA – Reginald “Jon” Davis Osborn, 75, a retired state trooper and past exalted ruler of the Oneonta Elks, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 16, at his home in Crystal River, Fla., surrounded by his children.

Jon was born March 26, 1943, at Oneonta’s Parshall Hospital to Warren and Mildred (Reed) Osborn.

Raised in South Valley, Jon graduated from Cherry Valley Central School in 1960. He earned a degree in business administration from SUNY Cobleskill in 1962, and joined the Army Reserves in 1965, retiring in 1993 as a major.

Jon joined the New York State Police in October 1966, retiring in November 1986.  For 12 years, he was a firearms instructor.

On retiring, Jon owned and operated Osborn Lawn Care for several years. He fully retired in 2003 after driving motor coaches for several area businesses, including Pathfinder Coach lines, OPT and Oneonta Bus Lines.  He spent his early retirement improving and maintaining the Susquehanna Trail Camp Ground with his wife, until moving to Crystal River in 2004.

Jon was a past exalted ruler of the Oneonta Elks Lodge and a member of the Oneonta American Legion Post No. 259. He was an avid NASCAR fan and John Deere collector, enjoying his free time puttering in his garage and spending time with family and friends.

Jon is survived by his children, Kim (Jim) Thomas of Richmond, Va., Kyle (Stacy) Osborn of Oneonta, Matt (Courtney) Brower of Crystal River; as well as grandchildren, Addison, Connor, Brynn and Keely Thomas, Jon and Lukas Osborn and Bristol and Kelsey Brower. He is also survived by his wife, Ann Osborn of Crystal River; former wife Pamela Osborn of Richmond, Va.; sister Marlene (Walter) Thompson of Worcester; Aunt Wanda Welbert, also of Worcester; as well as in-laws Wes (Linda) St. Onge of Beverly Hills, Fla.; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Jon’s family would like to thank his friends and neighbors, especially Rick Hodges, Johnny Hudgins, Lauren “Larry” Epps and Victor Nadal who helped in countless ways. Your presence, care and thoughtfulness was a great comfort to both Jon and his family and is greatly appreciated.

A private burial will take place in The Plains Cemetery, Oneonta, at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to your local Hospice agency.