William M Osborne III

William “Bill” Mason Osborne III, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 20, 2025. Born on March 3, 1940, in Council Grove, Kansas, to Mason and Mildred Osborne, Bill lived a life filled with love, faith, passion, and purpose. A proud graduate of Council Grove High School’s Class of 1958, Bill attended Kansas University to study engineering. His career journey began with Vita Craft, selling cookware and silverware—a role that serendipitously led him to Patty’s door, where their love story began. Bill married the love of his life, Patricia “Gracie” (Hardiman) Osborne, on January 17, 1960, at the First Christian Church in Wellington, Kansas. Together, they built a beautiful life, first in Council Grove, where they welcomed their children, Jeff and Jami, then in Liberal, Kansas, where they celebrated the birth of their youngest daughter, Julie, and later in Topeka, Kansas, where they resided for 49 years. Married for 65 years, when asked the secret to a long marriage, Bill would quickly reply with a smile, “I picked the right one.” Bill’s passion for his family was evident in every aspect of his life. He dedicated himself to providing for his family through a successful and enriching career in the newspaper business. He began his career at the Council Grove Republican before moving on to the Topeka Capital Journal as a Classified Manager. Later, he became the Advertising Manager at the Southwest Daily Times in Liberal, Kansas, where he served for nine years before returning to the Topeka Capital Journal in 1974 as the Advertising Manager. In addition to his roles within these newspapers, Bill was actively involved in the industry, serving on the Board of Directors and as an officer in the Midwest Newspaper Advertising Executives Association. He also contributed his expertise to Kansas Press and Cappers Insurance, leaving a lasting impact on the field he loved. Bill’s heart was at home on his farm in Council Grove, where he made his post-retirement “job” gardening, mowing, baling hay, and doing any and all types of handyman projects on and around his childhood farmhouse. He found joy in nature whether he was hunting with his best friend of 52 years, Garran Allison and his beloved bird dogs, fishing on Lake Perry, or simply enjoying the sunset. He loved playing pool with Jeff and his grandkids. Known as the best storyteller, his favorite tales were of his adventures on the farm. Bill was easily recognized by his parade of red: his ‘74 Corvette, Farmall tractor, Ford F-150 truck, and lawnmower. He was a passionate fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas Jayhawks, always cheering on his favorite teams. Those who knew Bill will remember his unmatched determination, grit, strength, and the gentle, loving kindness he extended to all. He truly never met a stranger. His faith in Christ was deep-rooted and the foundation on which he lived his life. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Mason and Mildred Osborne, and his son, Jeff Osborne. He is survived by his devoted wife, Patricia Osborne; his sisters, Lorene Brown and Marjorie (Jack) Volesky; his brother, John Osborne; his daughters, Jami Haines (Louie Skelton), and Julie (Paul) Pusloskie; six grandchildren, Michael (Allison) Haines, Candice (Taylor) Johnson; Jade (Malcom Nya), Sasha (Jesse Rivera), Max, and Lex Pusloskie; and two great-grandchildren, Curren and Hallie Johnson. Also left to cherish his memory is his faithful pup, Bella. Bill’s legacy of love and dedication will forever live in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at Sawyer Funeral Home in Council Grove on Saturday, March 1st with visitation beginning at 2:30pm and a service at 3:00pm. Internment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery, Council Grove