Rev. John Philip Osborn

The Rev. John P. Osborn, 79, of Powell, Ohio, passed away peacefully on February 28, 2026, after a brief hospitalization and stay at OhioHealth Hospice House (formerly Kobacker House). 

He was born July 28, 1946, to the late Rev. John F. Osborn and Marjorie E. Osborn (née Phillips). 

He spent his early years in various parts of Ohio, as well as Naperville, Illinois. John was a 1964 graduate of Perrysburg High School, in Perrysburg, Ohio. He went to The Ohio State University for a degree in psychology and was a proud member of B-Row (trumpet) in TBDBITL, The Ohio State University Marching Band. After graduating from The Ohio State University, John attended United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, obtaining his Master of Divinity in 1972. Following seminary, John and his wife, Donna, served various churches within the West Ohio United Methodist Conference: (the former) New Winchester United Methodist, in New Winchester; Prospect United Methodist, in Prospect; Monroe Street United Methodist, in Toledo; (the former) Mason United Methodist, in Mason; Sulphur Grove United Methodist, in Huber Heights. In 1995, John was appointed by West Ohio Conference Bishop Judith Craig to the Conference cabinet as District Superintendent for the then-Cincinnati District, which he served for 5 years. Concurrently, John was on the Board of Trustees for Otterbein Homes beginning in 1990 and served as Chairman from 1996-2002. After semiretiring, he went on to serve on staff at Otterbein-Lebanon Retirement Community as a chaplain, until fully retiring in April of 2008. 

After faithfully serving the church for 40+ years, John and Donna made their final move to Powell, Ohio, where they have remained ever since. John was a member of the West Ohio Conference and active in Powell United Methodist Church with Donna. John had the remarkable ability to make friends wherever he went. He could remember names and faces of congregants, even after only meeting them once. He had a natural ability to draw people to him. As a result, his presence will be sorely missed by many, many people. 

He is survived by his love of 58 years, Donna (née Frail), daughter, Emily (the late Chad) Cunningham of Delaware, Ohio; daughter, Erin (Dave) Remias of Canal Winchester, Ohio; grandchildren Madelyn Remias, Austin Remias, Will Cunningham, and Ian Cunningham; as well as many family members, and a host of friends who became extended family. 

A celebration of John's life will be held on Friday, April 17, 2026, at 11:00 am, at Powell United Methodist Church, Powell, Ohio. 

Family and friends may greet John’s family beginning at 9:30 am prior to the service. 

A luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall.

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