Walter Dean Osborne

Walter Dean Osborne passed away October 16, 2021 in Conway, Ark. Born October 27, 1938, to the Walter Jay Osborne and Glendina (White) Osborne in Cherryvale, Kan. Walt was a strong man, kept to himself and had a set way about him; a curmudgeon some would say. But he had a big heart that only the closest to him ever saw. He loved fishing and mentioned in his last days how he would really like to go fishing again. Walt graduated high school from Idaho Springs, Colo., in 1957, although he grew up in the Cherryvale/Independence, Kan., area. Shortly after graduation he joined the United States Navy. Walt served from 1959 to 1963. Upon returning he soon began working for Boeing Aircraft as an electrician in Wichita, Kan. He later began work as a locomotive electrician for the Missouri Kansas Texas Railroad in Parsons, Kan., and upon the Railroad transfer he finished with the Union Pacific Railroad in North Little Rock, Ark., from where he retired. He married his beautiful wife, Barbara, in 1967. Years later they welcomed into the world, their daughter, Kristine Anne (Kristie) affectionately known by him as "Mug-wart" and "Shorty." Walt overcame obstacles in his life and would carry on, work hard, and care for his family. He took care of Barbara and Kristie the best way a man could. Anyone around him learned something. Whether it be how to knot a hook on a fishing line (Kristie finally got his trick down), or when to stand back and let the man work. He knew about guns and would have his son-in-law weak in the knees about the collection he had once owned; his son-in-law being an aficionado himself. He had a select group of friends, a few from the good ole days, a few from the Navy, the "Katy Gang", and some from Conway with whom he had developed a close relationship to. Back home in Kansas you would find him out with Tom and Deloris, and Dean and Betty down by the river just enjoying time passing by. Walt was preceded in death by his father, Walter Jay Osborne; mother, Glendina McGroarty; stepfather, Edward Raymond "Mac" McGroarty; mother-in-law, Dora Jean Robnett; wife, Barbara Robnett Osborne; and an infant daughter, Barbara Sue. He is survived by his daughter, Kristine Pemberton (Robert Layne) of Conway, Ark.; two granddaughters; Kaitlyn and Annabelle Shirley of Conway, Ark.; and a special friend Willie (Sissy) Krissel of Conway, Ark. Visitation will be at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Conway, Ark., on Saturday, October 23, 2021 from 5-7 p.m. A graveside service will be Saturday, November 13, 2021 at 11 a.m. at Fairview Cemetery in Cherryvale, Kan. The family would like to thank everyone at Superior Health and Rehab, knowing he would be a challenge, but the family appreciated the fact that they loved him through it. Thanks to 3 North at Conway Regional Medical Center, Dr. Kristy King, Dr. Kordesmire, Dr. Malik, and surgeon Dr. Brock King. Your care and attention meant so much. Special thanks to Kindred Hospice who made such a difference at the end. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Bethlehem House 1115 Parkway St. Conway, Ark. 72034, or the Conway Regional Perinatal Bereavement Program 2302 College Avenue, Conway, Ark. 72034. "Love on Mom and that Baby for us, then head on out for that fishing trip with Darrell you've been waiting for. We love you and miss you like you can't ever imagine."