John and his family moved to Oakley, KS near the end of high school where he graduated and joined the U.S. Marine Corps. He was trained as a combat tanker and served with his brother in the 3rd Marine Tank Battalion in Japan and with the 1st Marine Tanks, FMF, during the Korean War.

During his career of 20 years, he also served in Vietnam where he was wounded several times, rehabilitated and volunteered for another tour. He was trained by the State Department and served as the Senior Staff NCO at the American Embassy in Seoul, Korea, he served as a nuclear weapons courier for the Marine Corps. He concluded his career as an instructor in tank warfare at Schools Battalion, Camp Del Mar, and in the deserts of California. He was a founding member of the U.S. Marine Corps Tanker Assn. and the Vietnam Tanker Assn.

His retirement life was dedicated to taking care of his mother, Sophia Osborn, in her Salina home for 16 years until her death. He became totally incapacitated following surgery spending his final days in the Good Samaritan Facility. The body was cremated. His brother, Dr. Vernon Osborn and wife Sara Osborn and their sons John, David and Thomas survive John. He was a great man and a hero of this country.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 5, 2008 at Ryan Mortuary, Fr. John Wolesky officiating. Inurnment will be in the Gypsum Hill Cemetery, Salina. Memorials may be made to the Marine Toy Box in care of Don Vineyard, 1016 Burr Oak Lane, Salina 67401.