Ivan Osborn

Ivan Lawrence "Larry" Osborn age 96 of Ashley, Michigan died Monday, May 3, 2010 at his home.

Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie Chapel, Elsie MI, on Thursday, May 6, 2010 at 11:00 A.M. Pastor Jon Pohl will officiate, and burial will follow at North Star Cemetery, North Star, MI. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 4, 2010 from 6-8 P.M. and Wednesday, May 5, 2010 from 2-8 P.M. A Masonic Service will be held on Wednesday evening at 7 PM.

Larry was born on October 24, 1913 in Lansing, Michigan to John Homer and Iva Lynne Osborn. He graduated from Lansing Central High School in 1932. Larry farmed with his parents in Holt, MI, and worked in a factory until 1939 when he opened Osborn's Market in Ashley, MI, which he continued to operate until 1972. He married Margaret Denovich in 1942 and they had five children together. He served in the United States Army 1942-1945. In 1956 he purchased a farm in Ashley, MI, where he was able, once again, to enjoy his love of farming. Larry operated a dairy farm from 1957 until 1987 and then continued to raise feeder cattle and cash crops with his son David. Larry married Kay Mead in 1973 and increased his family with 2 stepchildren. He was a former member of the Ashley Lions Club, Masonic Lodge, Ashley Village Council, and Gratiot County Sheriff's Posse.

Larry was a kind and generous person, full of love and life. He possessed a great sense of humor and an even greater gift of gab. He had a passion for quarter horses and anything to do with horses. Larry enjoyed traveling the Western states to deepen his understanding and love of American Indian culture. Larry also enjoyed farming, talking politics, and spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife Kay Osborn, 5 children; Brian (Marie) Osborn, Cheryl (Dale) Fabry, Nadine (Glen) George, Cara (Roger) Evans, David (Mary) Osborn, 2 stepchildren; Stephen (Toni) Mead, and Shauna Nelson, 16 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Larry was predeceased by his parents, brother Roy Osborn, sisters; Myrtle Mitchell and Norma Nelson and great grandson Kameron Evans.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Ashley United Methodist Church, 112 N. New Street, Ashley, MI. 48806 or Great Lake Hospice. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie Chapel, Elsie, MI.

Read Ivan "Larry" Osborn 's Obituary and Guestbook on smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com.