Roy Lenox "Tom" Osborn

Roy Lenox Osborn (Tom) passed away on May 12, 2016. He was born November 17, 1929, at St. Joseph Hospital in Phoenix to Roy Phillip Osborn and Mildred Floris Feaster. He grew up and attended elementary school in Laveen, AZ. It was there he began his working career as a morning paperboy, riding his bicycle to deliver the Arizona Republic. His only companions on those dark cold mornings was a skunk, who often ran beside him, and a few surprised rattlesnakes. Tom graduated from Phoenix Union High School in 1947, where he was a member of the rifle team and various organizations including the Parnassus Club. He attended the American Institute for Foreign Trade at Thunderbird Field in Phoenix in 1949, where he studied Spanish and Portuguese. He enjoyed singing Mexican ballads with his lifelong friend, Ernie. In 1951 Tom earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration at the University of Arizona. Following in the footsteps of his beloved Uncle Emil, a WWII fighter pilot, Tom became an avid aviator, earning his Private Pilot License followed by Instrument, Multi-Engine, Commercial, Airline Transport, Flight Instructor, and Aerobatics ratings. His favorite poem was “High Flight” by John Gillespie Magee, Jr. He maintained his AOPA membership since 1967, and was a member of the Free Masons, and Shriners International. Tom was an unusual man, an innovator and entrepreneur, who founded his own highly successful precision machine shop, Osborn Products Inc., in 1956. He was a pioneer in hard chrome plating, ID and OD grinding and thread gages, which are used throughout the world. Tom wrote thread software which enjoys an international customer base. His company produces specialized parts for major U.S. companies and the military. The company currently celebrates its 60th year. Cats were special to Tom. He rescued and cared for strays and was known to many as a “cat whisperer”. Tom is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Eileen, who is also a pilot and worked with Tom at Osborn Products. Also surviving are his three children, Karen Opilowsky (John), Philip Osborn (Alice), Bruce Osborn (Stacey), and his sister, Nancy (Phil), five grandchildren and two great grandchildren. On his last day the family visited Tom at his home. His wife and daughter were at his side until his final passing. The viewing will be from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., Wednesday, May 18, 2016, at Bueler Chandler Mortuary, 14 W. Hulet Dr. in Chandler, AZ (480 963 6351). The graveside service and inurnment will begin 10:00 A.M., Saturday, May 21, at Tempe Double Butte Cemetery, 2505 W. Broadway Rd. in Tempe. Tom will be buried next to his Uncle Emil.Following the service all family and friends are invited to a memorial gathering at his daughter's home in Phoenix at 12:00 P.M. If directions are needed call 480-319-0038. Arrangements are being cared by Owens Livingston Mortuary - White Mountain Chapel of Show Low.“Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth...reached out and touched the face of God.”                                                                                                      (from “High Flight”)