Thursday, March 12th, 2015
Merrill Osborn
Merrill J. "Doc" Osborn, D.O., 99, Willshire, died at 10:07 p.m. March 10, 2015, at Van Wert County Hospital, Van Wert.
He was born Dec. 10, 1915, in Delaware County, to Ralph H. and Lucy E. (Adams) Osborn, who are deceased. On March 31, 1939, in Kirksville, Mo., he married Mary E. Cox, who died Sept. 10, 2009. He then married Carolyn (Goodpastor) Heller on April 6, 2011, at Calvary Baptist Church, Berne, Ind., and she survives in Willshire.
Also surviving are four children, M. Deanne (John) Taylor, Austin, Texas, M. Dean (Joann) Osborn, Cincinnati, Daryl E. (Candace) Osborn, DVM, Wapakoneta, and Deborah O. (Dan) Schmidt, Willshire; two stepchildren, Jennifer Shinn, Van Wert, and Christopher Shinn, Mendon; 13 grandchildren; two stepgrandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild.
Also deceased are a son, R.C. Duane Osborn; a granddaughter, Amy Osborn; a stepdaughter, Melinda Shinn; and two sisters, his twin, Martha Swartz, and older sister, Ruth Toluba.
"Doc" was a graduate of Brown High School. He attended Ohio Wesleyan University and received his medical degree from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery. He served his country in the United States Navy during World War II, serving in the Atlantic Theatre.
He and his wife, Mary, moved to Willshire in September 1939. He set up his medical practice on Sept. 10, 1939, in Willshire, where he practiced until his retirement in 1997. He served the community and surrounding areas for 58 years as an osteopathic physician and surgeon. He was on staff at Van Wert County Hospital until 1997 and after retirement was considered an honorary staff member.
He attended Praise Point Church, Willshire, and was a member of the Willshire Masonic Lodge; American Legion Post 207, Willshire; and the Eagles Lodge, Rockford. He also served on the Van Wert County Board of Health for over 55 years. He volunteered at the CHP Adult Day Service in Van Wert for 10 years.
He enjoyed flying his private airplane. In 1952, he converted his barn haymow into a full-sized basketball court for many generations of children to play basketball. In 1954, he started the Farm Baseball League in Willshire, where he was very successful for many years.
Services are 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur, Ind., Pastor Brad Kittle officiating. Burial will follow at Willshire Cemetery, where graveside military services will be conducted by the American Legion 207 Color Guard.
Calling is 2-4 and 5-8 p.m. Friday and 9:30-10:30 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be given to Gideon's International.
Condolences may be sent to www.zqickjahn.com.
