Wayne Wheeler Osburn

Wayne Wheeler Osburn, 95, was born September 12, 1930, in Muldrow, OK to Starling and Myrtle (Cole) Osburn and peacefully passed away on Saturday, May 23, 2026, in Muskogee with his loving family by his bedside. Maple, Oklahoma was where Wayne was raised and learned the value of hard work at a young age, picking cotton and watermelon. At seventeen, he left Oklahoma for California to work before later joining the United States Army. After his time in the Army, he returned home to Oklahoma where he met and married the love of his life, Freda, in 1955. After the birth of their daughter, Lisa, in 1956, they moved to California, where Wayne worked as an ironworker, never bothered by walking high beams. Although he enjoyed his work, Wayne and Freda decided Oklahoma was the best place to raise their family. Following the birth of their daughter, Denise, in California, they returned to Oklahoma in 1961. Wayne worked as a route salesman before beginning a career with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, where he remained until retiring at the age of 65. He had a gift for gardening and always kept a garden growing. It was joked that Wayne could put a stick in the ground and it would grow. After retirement, he faithfully volunteered at church, often helping with funerals, and gave several years of service to the American Legion Post 20 in Fort Gibson, OK. He enjoyed fishing and spent many younger years hunting. Wayne and Freda also enjoyed traveling together throughout the United States after retirement. Wayne loved Freda deeply, and for sixty years they cared for one another through every season of life. He was a devoted husband, a caring father, and a man who treasured family, whether spending time with his brothers and sisters or gathering with Freda’s family. Wayne was known for his kindness, generosity, and willingness to help others. In his early thirties, he became a Christian, a faith that remained important throughout his life. Wayne was a true example of a God-fearing man who worked hard to care for his family, leaving behind a beautiful legacy. He is now reunited with his loving wife, Freda Joyce Osburn; his parents, Starling and Myrtle Mae (Cole) Osburn; seven brothers, and four sisters. Wayne is lovingly survived by his daughters, Melissa (Lisa) Jackson and husband Donald of Muskogee, OK and Karen Denise Hermes and husband Richard of Magnolia, TX; his granddaughter, Jill Davis and fiancé Cory Patterson of Muskogee, OK; his grandson, Nicholas Hermes and fiancé Morgan Schiel of Spring, TX; and his great-granddaughter, Aubree Davis of Muskogee, OK; extended family and many friends. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. The family would like to give a special thanks to Country Gardens Assisted Living, Wayne’s second home. Every person that worked there was so good to Wayne, becoming family to many. Wayne loved telling them stories about the good ole days, making them laugh with his enjoyable sense of humor, and truly treasured his time there. A kind thank you to Season’s Hospice for taking such good care of Wayne at the end. Donations in Wayne’s memory can be made out to: American Legion Post 20 201 S.E. Railroad Street Fort Gibson, OK 74434 A celebration of Wayne's life will be 1PM, Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home Chapel in Fort Gibson. Committal prayers and interment will follow at Fort Gibson National Cemetery with military honors being observed. The family of Wayne Wheeler Osburn has entrusted his care, service, and burial to Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home, Fort Gibson. 918-478-2555. Online condolences may be left for the Osburn family at clifforddgarrettfamilyfh.com.

Wayne Wheeler Osburn

September 12, 1930 - May 23, 2026