Col. Robert Bruce Osborn
Marriages
Althea Evelyn Osborn
Burial Details
Obituaries
Steamboat Today - May 17, 2009
"Old soldiers never die, they just fade away."
- Douglas MacArthur
Col. Robert Bruce Osborn's life was marked with determination, courage, optimism and enthusiasm for everything he touched. He approached cancer as he had life, as just another battle along the way. On May 10, 2009, Bob simply faded away to join his Lord and so many fellow soldiers who have gone before.
Bob was born August 14, 1930, in Stoneham, Mass., and had a distinguished military career in the Armored Cavalry, including two tours in Vietnam, the post of military attache to London, serving his country for 30 years. His many decorations included the Legion of Merit twice, three Bronze Stars with V for valor, and a Purple Heart.
Upon retirement he moved to Austin, Texas, and obtained a doctorate in history at the University of Texas and ended his career working side by side with his wife, Althea, and Gary Keller at the founding of Keller Williams Realty.
Bob is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Althea Evelyn Osborn.
Althea fought by his side during his three-year battle with cancer, providing unwavering strength, support and love. He is also survived by his three children, Ann, Richard, and David; his brother Jerry; and his seven grandchildren, Cheris, Cheaven, Rachel, Andrew, Camilla, Nadia and Isabella.
Bob was preceded in death by his sister, Virginia.
Bob was a husband first, a father second and a soldier through it all. He was greatly loved and will be sorely missed.
The family would like to thank Dr. Merrill Kies and the staff of M.D. Anderson, and Dr. Richard Helmer of the Southwest Regional Cancer Center, for their encouragement and support during Bob's three-year fight. The family would especially like to thank Heather Hamilton for her care and love in his final days, along with Hospice Austin for their unwavering dedication to his comfort.
Interment was held May 13 at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas.
Serving as pallbearers were Richard Bruce Osborn, David Robert Osborn, Andrew Alexander Osborn, Bo Blackburn, Boone Almanza, Tom Lamphere, Joseph Harker, Philippe De Backer and Alston Boyd. Honorary pallbearers are Patrick Murphy, Magnus Malan, Stephen Wilcox, Saaren Haslund-Christensen, Bunny Azis, Ken Hardy and Jerry Osborn.
Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Unit 541, Houston, TX 77030. Call 713-792-3450 or 1-800-525-5841, or e-mail mwysocki@mdanderson.org, or salanis@mdanderson.org. Donations may also be made to KW Cares, in support of those suffering with cancer, 807 Las Cimas Parkway - Suite 200, Austin TX 78746.
Obituary and guestbook are available online at wcfish.com.
