Dr. Merril J. Osborne

Dr. Merrill J. Osborne, M.D., age 90 of Memphis, Tennessee and formerly of Blytheville, Arkansas, passed from this life on Monday, August 24, 2015 at Germantown Methodist Hospital in Germantown, Tennessee. He was born on May 12, 1925 in Leachville, Arkansas to Bryan and Lois Jurich Osborne. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Virginia Wright and his loving son, James Michael Osborne,

Following graduation from Manila High School in 1942, Dr. Osborne attended the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville until he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1944. He proudly and honorably served his country with the 38th and 86th infantry divisions in the Philippines. Upon completion of his service, he returned to the University of Arkansas to continue pursuing his pre-med degree. In 1948, he married Helen Whistle, who was to become his wife for the next 67 years and moved to Dell, Arkansas to farm and start his family.

In 1953, he retuned to the University of Arkansas to fulfill his life-long dream of becoming a physician. He graduated in 1958 from the University of Arkansas Medical School and then completed his residency at Lafayette Charity Hospital, Lafayette, La.

In 1960, he began his family practice in Blytheville, Arkansas. He would go on to a very fulfilling and happy life as he dedicated himself to his patients and the community. From happily birthing children to the sadness of going through death, his patients were always foremost in his life. He was an active member of the Mississippi County and Arkansas Medical Societies.

Surviving Dr. Osborne are his wife, Helen Whistle Osborne;

Children, Kay O. Walsh, Rebecca Rogers (David) and Beth Green;

Granddaughters, Stacey W. Faulkner (Adam), Katey Walsh-Glover and Ashley Green;

Grandson, Wesley James M. Green;

Great-granddaughters, Kate Faulkner and Meg Faulkner;

Sister, Vivian Alston (H.D.);

Sister-in-law, Margaret W. Morris;

Several nieces and nephews, and a family friend, Barbara Lacy.

Please join the family in celebrating Dr. Osborne's life at a gathering of friends, to be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Augusts 27th at Cobb Funeral Home. Services will be held Friday, August 29th at 2 p.m. in the Cobb Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. L. Jason Krutz officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery with military honors.