Russell Porter Osborne Jr.

Russell Porter Osborne, Jr. passed away peacefully on the morning of February 13th, in LaVista, NE at the age of 88. He was held by all of us and wrapped in the love of family. He was born December 8, 1937 in Birmingham, AL and raised in Clearfield PA.

Russell is preceded in death by his parents, Russell Osborne, Sr and Lois Osborne; his loving grandparents Eugene and Della (whom raised him) long-time significant other, Mary McNamara Cole; and many loving family members who welcomed him home.

He is survived by his daughter Michelle McNamara Zoucha, son-in-law Jake Zoucha, grandchildren Jerzy, Jace and Dru; long-time partner Shirley Doherty, son's Russell P Osborne III and Eddie Osborne, Becky Holmes whom he loved as a daughter and a large loving family from all over the country.

Russ was an immensely proud veteran who carried deep love and respect for his country throughout his life. His time serving in Vietnam shaped him in lasting ways, and he spoke often of those years with honesty and reflection. He held a profound gratitude for the freedoms he believed were worth defending and remained steadfast in his patriotism. His respect for fellow service members and his devotion to our nation were not just words, but values he lived by every day.

He was a man of deep passions, quiet contentment, and unwavering devotion to the people and things he loved. Russ loved sports, he rarely missed a chance to cheer on his favorite teams. He was a devoted fan of the New England Patriots, followed Nebraska Cornhuskers football, and kept a close eye on Iowa Hawkeyes football-much to the amusement of his son-in-law Jake, he would arrive wearing an Iowa hat despite many playful attempts (and several gifted Husker hats) to convert him.

Beyond sports and service, he had a curious and thoughtful mind. He enjoyed discussing politics and was fascinated by technology. Computers, new programs, and the latest gadgets captured his attention, and he embraced each innovation with genuine enthusiasm. He also had a love for cameras and photography, appreciating the ability to capture moments and memories.

Faith shaped his life in meaningful ways. He cherished conversations about his relationship with Jesus Christ and drew hope and peace from his belief. More than anything, he loved people - all people, even those he had never met. He believed deeply that at the heart of every person is the same simple desire: to love and to be loved, to be seen, and to feel that they matter. He treated everyone with kindness and genuine interest, always ready for a conversation, a story, or a listening ear. He especially treasured long talks with his grandchildren, giving them his full attention and making each one feel valued and heard.

Like all of us, he was perfectly human. He was, above all, a deeply loving man. His life held seasons of hardship and moments of distance, times when understanding did not always come easily. Yet even then, his love endured. He cared in the ways he knew best, quietly carrying those he loved in his heart, even when circumstances made closeness difficult. Through it all, his love remained steady and sincere - a constant presence that never faded.

He found deep pride in the home he and Shirley built together with the dogs he adored. It was there, in the quiet life they shared, that he felt most at peace. He worked to create a beautiful yard filled with trees he carefully tended, taking great pride in the home he cared for so diligently. While he appreciated a simple and peaceful daily life with Shirley, nothing brought him more joy than visits from family - time spent talking, laughing, and simply being together. Though he valued quiet living, he never stopped learning, always reading and exploring new ideas, carrying his grand ideas and natural curiosity throughout his life.

Loving, patriotic, and steadfast in his own way, he leaves behind a legacy of faith, conviction, and a heart that never stopped caring.

GRAVESIDE SERVICE WITH MILITARY HONORS Tuesday, February 24 at 1:30 PM at the Omaha National Cemetery (14250 Schram Rd)

RECEPTION TO FOLLOW at 88 Tactical's speakeasy (15350 Shepard St).
Please enter through the members entrance and let front desk know you are there for the memorial.

Memorials may be directed to the family to be used in accordance with Russell's wishes.