Wilbur Dean Osbourne, 97, of Grain Valley, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. A visitation will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at Royer Funeral Home in Grain Valley, followed by a funeral service at 10:00 a.m. A graveside burial will take place the same day at 3:00 p.m. in Greenwood Cemetery, Clay Center, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Cape Girardeau Senior Center, 921 Clark St, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701.
Wilbur was born on July 28, 1928, in Bala, Kansas, to William and Josephine (Martin) Osbourne. As the next to oldest of four sons, Wilbur grew up with a deep appreciation for family, community, and hard work. He served in the Merchant Marines on the Simeon G. Reed vessel near the end of World War II.
Wilbur was preceded in death by his parents; his late wife, Betty; his grandsons; Thomas Rutherford, CJ Rutherford, and his great grandson Michael Reynolds; his two brothers, Chuck and Bill.
He enjoyed square dancing and was an active member of the Missouri State Square Dancers Association. Wilbur worked as a printer for the Kansas City Star before beginning a long career as a truck driver with Smithville Farmland Industries. He also gave his time generously, delivering Meals on Wheels in his community when he lived in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. At this time, he enjoyed attending monthly senior luncheons at Grain Valley community center, an occasional margarita and strawberry milkshake treats. A loyal sports fan, he cheered faithfully for the Kansas City Royals and Kansas City Chiefs.
He is survived by his three children: daughter Bonita Rutherford (Cliff) of Grain Valley, Missouri; sons Robert Osbourne (Janie) of Jacksonville, Florida; and Paul Osbourne of Kansas City, Missouri; and brother Donald Osbourne of Valdosta, Georgia. He also leaves behind five grandchildren—Donna, Denise, Robbie, Michelle, Gary—and twelve great-grandchildren: Amanda, Phillip, Robbie, Zachery, Garrett, Austin, Sydney, Brantley, Anessa, Sean, Torrin, and Taylor—and sixteen great-great grandchildren: Addilynn, Layla, River, Jason, Ellianna, Lochlynn, Charlee, Jayden, Mason, McKenzie, Brooklyn, Grayson, Jordan, Katelyn, Gage, and Omari.
Obituary submitted by the family.
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home Grain Valley, MO 64029 816-847-4441