Merlin Osburn , 83, of Center, passed away Friday, June 10, 2022, in Center.

Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 15, 2022, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m.  Bro. Josh Samford will officiate.  Internment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Born August 8, 1938, in Valentine, Nebraska, Merlin is the son of the late Gladys Breuklander Osburn and Ervy Leroy Osburn.  He served in the United States Air Force and went on to become a master plumber.  His hobbies included fishing, hunting, welding, and tinkering with broken down equipment.  Merlin attended Lone Star Baptist Church in Shelby County.

Survivors include wife, Phyllis Ann Osburn of Center; daughter, Julie N. O'Neal of Boise, Idaho; son, Mitchell Osburn and wife Paige of Bryan, Texas; grandchildren, Kassie Kate of New York, New York, Dallas Reed of Waco, Texas, Cody and Kitty of Killeen, Texas, Kortney Anne of Bryan, Texas, Dakota Mae of Bryan, Texas, and Dusty Dane of Bryan, Texas.

Preceded in death by parents, Gladys Breuklander Osburn and Ervy Leroy Osburn; brothers, Billy Osburn and Jim Osburn; and sister, Darlene Burge.

Pallbearers will be Huey Britt, Bennie Eddins, Bruce Britt, Chrisco Bragg, Joe Yarborough, and Duane Bomar.