Ernest L "Joe" Osborne

Ernest L. “Joe” Osborne, fondly known as Pop, passed from this life on September 3, 2020.

Ernest was born on April 8, 1931 at Dayhoit, KY. Upon graduation from Hall High School, he worked as a coal miner until drafted to the U.S. Army and served in the Korean War. He was later employed by the Kentucky State Police as a dispatcher for over 23 years. After retirement from the State Police he worked as a warehouse manager at Kentucky Harlan Coal Company for 17 years.

Ernest was highly active in the Masonic Order. He became a Master Mason in 1961 and in 1968 became Master of Harlan Lodge. In 1969 he was appointed to District Deputy Grand master of district 23, which included Harlan, Bell, Knox, and Whitley Counties.

His hobbies included walking, listening and watching University of Kentucky sports and square dancing in his younger days witch he considered were the “best times of his life”.

Preceding him in death was his wife of 63 years Evelyn Estes “Gaga” Osborne; his parents, James H. and Martha Nolan Osborne; his brothers, Jim, Jack, Ron, Chester, and Frank. Also, his mother-in-law, Nell Estes Crider.

Survivors include his daughter, Karen Jo Cox and husband, Teddy; his grandchildren, Stacy LeeAnn Haines and husband, Matt; Ted Kevin Cox and wife, Jamie; his great-grandsons, Trenton Duncan and Carson Haines.

Ernest resided in Elcomb, Kentucky for nearly 60 years where he leaves behind wonderful neighbors and friends.

A special thank you to Rick Cox, a special friend and caregiver, Harlan Health and Rehabilitation Center, Harlan Appalachian Regional Hospital and Henson & Rich Funeral Home.

To honor the wishes of Mr. Osborne and his family there will be no public services and burial will take place at Resthaven Cemetery.

On behalf of the staff of the Henson & Rich Funeral Home we would like to offer our heartfelt sympathy to Joe’s family during your time of bereavement.

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