William Ernest "Bill" Osborn

William Ernest “Bill” Osborn entered Jesus’ arms March 12, 2023, at his home in Norman, Oklahoma. Bill was born in Enid, Oklahoma on Wednesday, September 15, 1943, to Ernest and Maurine Osborn. He joined older brothers Jack and Bob, and soon younger brother Jim would complete the family. Bill enjoyed a lively childhood full of the adventures every boy should have.

Bill met the love of his life, Kay Lou Bailey in Enid. They married in December 1963 and moved to Norman to attend OU. Bill’s grandparents lived in Norman while he was growing up, so it felt like home from the beginning. Bill and Kay have two children, Kim Seewald and husband David of Norman, Mark Osborn and wife Jennifer of Norman and four granddaughters, Rebecca Seewald of Washington, DC, Rachel (Seewald) Phan and husband Thong of Oklahoma City, Trinity Osborn and Mallory Osborn of Norman. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Jack and wife Betty Osborn, and brother Bob Osborn. In addition to Kay, children and grandchildren, he is also survived by brother Jim Osborn and wife Jane, sister-in-law Lois Henderson and husband Chuck, brothers-in-law Richard Bailey and wife Rasa, and Charles Bailey and wife Charlotte and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

After graduation from Enid High in 1961, he attended Northwestern State College in Alva and transferred to the University of Oklahoma. He graduated with a BBA in Accounting and passed his CPA test on the first try in 1967. Soon after graduation from OU, Bill joined Omer Stephenson in his distinguished CPA firm and thus began his career. In 1980 Chanda Robinson came to work with him, and stayed for the next 43 years, eventually this led to a business partnership with Bill, Chanda and daughter Kim. For more than 50 years he was in private practice as a public accountant in Norman, with a brief stint of 3 years working in Kansas in private industry.

Bill believed in giving back and he jumped into everything full force. He joined the Norman Jaycees and served as President and held other offices. In 1974, he was selected by the Rotarians for their Business Study Exchange Program and spent several months in Perth, Australia learning about how business and life were conducted in Western Australia. In the 1980’s Bill joined the Norman Sooner Rotary Club and served as Treasurer for twenty-seven years. He valued the friendships formed at those early Tuesday morning meetings. Bill was an avid tennis player, enjoying league play in both singles and doubles. His quiet competitiveness surprised many opponents in tennis, shooting pool and playing cards. He was always one step ahead in thinking out the moves. He loved cheering on the OU Sooners and held season football tickets for decades. Bill was also a proud member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, passing this legacy from his grandmother to his children and grandchildren.

Faith and family were the cornerstones of Bill’s life. He was an active member of Messiah Lutheran Church in Oklahoma City and Trinity Lutheran Church in Norman. He contributed his accounting skills as well as his construction knowledge and served in many roles including President of the Congregation, Head of Trustees and Financial Secretary. Bill enjoyed traveling with the Youth on ski and other trips, leading construction projects and managing the finances of the congregation.

Bill and his brothers Bob and Jim formed a construction company in the 1980’s, developing and building homes, apartments, and office buildings throughout the southwest. This business afforded the opportunity to travel to Asia, Europe and many other places with his brothers and their wives.

Family was the joy of his life. He loved travelling with Kay across the globe. In later years, he and Kay spent a great deal of time exploring the US with the granddaughters and watching them excel in ballet, piano, rowing, tennis, soccer and many other activities. He loved to tell stories of their endeavors and share their accomplishments.

Pallbearers will be Bob Usry, Joe Gil, Kevin Murphree, David Immy, Bob Dill, Keith Busking, and David Shirley.  Honorary pallbearer is Don Carpenter.

Services will include viewing and visitation from 6:00 to 9:00 pm on Wednesday March 15, 2023, at Tribute Memorial Care Event Center, 708 24th Ave. NW, Norman, OK 73072. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 am on Thursday, March 16, 2023 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 603 Classen Blvd. Norman, OK 73071, followed by gravesite burial at IOOF Cemetery in Norman, OK.

Memorial Contributions may be given to Messiah Lutheran Church, 3600 Northwest Expressway, Oklahoma City, OK 73112; Trinity Lutheran Church, 603 Classen Blvd. Norman, OK 73071 or the Rotary Foundation 14280 Collections Center Drive, Chicago, IL 60693.