Dr. Charles David Osborn, 79, Rock Lake, Akron, and formerly of Kokomo, passed away on Sunday, May 2, 2021, surrounded by his family on the property that he cherished for more than 70 years.

Dr. Charles David Osborn

Charles was born on June 18, 1941, in Kokomo, to the late Fredius Carmen and Evelyn Francis (Sutton) Osborn. He married on Oct. 6, 1974, in Greenwood, to Beverly Sue Astell. She survives.

Charles was a 1959 graduate of Kokomo High School. He earned his bachelor’s, master’s, specialist and doctoral degrees from Ball State University in Muncie. He began his teaching career as an English teacher at Fremont High School.

Charles then became the reading specialist for Kokomo High School. After his post-doctoral work, he became the curriculum director for the State of Indiana and eventually assumed the role of school superintendent for Attica Consolidated Schools, Clay County Schools, Crisp County Schools in Cordele, Ga., and Gwinn Area Community Schools in Gwinn, Mich. He retired from his more than 40-year career back with children as an administrator for DeKalb County Schools in DeKalb, Ga. He enjoyed working with children and made a difference in many lives.

After retiring, Charles loved to travel, which he had done quite a bit in his youth. He also enjoyed working with flowers and making arrangements for his family and friends. He was a woodworking hobbyist and a craftsman restorer, making many projects beloved by his family. Charles enjoyed playing the organ, which he performed in church and at home, and was fond of classical music. He had a special way of stretching stories and entertaining friends and family of all ages, but most especially his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Beverly Osborn, Akron; Richard Osborn, Sheridan; Stacey and husband Stephen Swanson, Charlotte, N.C.; and Erin and husband Ahmed Chater Jr., Orefield, Pa.; grandchildren Olivia Swanson, Charles Chater and Samuel Chater; sister-in-law Joyce Astell, Russiaville; niece Alisa and husband Paul Getts and children Ariana Getts and Bronwyn Getts, Kokomo; nephew Joel Thomas and children Seth Thomas, Sabine Thomas, Asa Thomas and Beatrix Thomas, Wabash; special family friends, the Dr. Charles Miller family; and his pride of cats.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents; daughter-in-law Lea Ann Osborn; and brother-in-law Michael Astell.

The funeral service will take place at 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 5, at Hartzler Funeral Home, 305 W. Rochester St., Akron. He will be laid to rest in Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery of Kokomo. Visitation hours will be from 3-5 p.m. Wednesday, May 5, at Hartzler Funeral Home, Akron.

Donations may be made in Charles’ memory to the donor’s choice of Humane Society or to Kindred Hospice.