Leon Osburn died at his home in Springfield, on Saturday, January 30 after heroically combating diabetes and congestive heart failure episodes over the last several years. Leon was born in Douglas County, Mo. on June 23, 1943 to Earnest and Georgie (Piland) Osburn. He graduated from Ava High School in 1961 and attended the College of the Ozarks for two years and then joined the Navy where he served on a Landing Ship Transport (LST) advanced based in Japan. Subsequently, Leon attended Missouri State University (SMS). While attending college in Springfield, he married Carol Y. Robinson on July 27, 1967. Upon graduation with a Major in Biology, Leon was employed by GE in Springfield. Leon was a member of Second Baptist Church. His major interests included sports, music, photography, genealogy and the pursuit of gourmet food. In high school, Leon played point guard on an Ava team that competed for the state championship. At College of the Ozarks, Leon was a choir member and sang with a men’s group there. Leon’s interest in music included an extensive collection of music spanning popular music from the 1940’s until the present, a wide range of classical music, and many religious albums. Leon enjoyed traveling and photography. He beautifully captured the historic settings and brilliant foliage of several New England states and eastern Canada. He has compiled a comprehensive genealogy of the Osburn family which captures a broad spectrum of the early Ozark settlements including several families impacted by the Civil War seeking peace and new land in Missouri. Leon was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Carol. He is survived by his brother, Dean Osburn; and sister, Barbara (Osburn) Wire, both of Springfield. A funeral service will be conducted at Greenlawn East Funeral Home (3540 E. Seminole) at 2 p.m., Wednesday, February 3. The family suggest that memorial contributions be made to the American Diabetes Association, Springfield, Mo. Office, 1944-A Sunshine, Springfield, Mo. 65804 (diabetes.org/honor).