Randy J. Osborn

Age 70 of Wilmington, Illinois, formerly of Peoria, Illinois, died Sunday, August 25, 2024 at The Citadel of Kankakee.

Born February 26, 1954 in Burlington, Iowa, Randy James is a son of Retha Palmer and the late Earl Palmer. He was raised and educated in Wilmington and graduated from Wilmington High School with the Class of 1972. Randy honorably served in the United States Air Force, and upon his discharge from service he began his career working in manufacturing for several companies, including Apollo Color Inc. in Joliet, Illinois.

Randy had many interests whose creative flair was often on display with his award winning photography works. He was very handy, an all-around Mr. Fix-it, who was always tinkering on something and making his own tools for projects he was working on. Randy was an animal lover, especially of horses, and together with his wife they raised Pomeranians. He loved movies, had a vast music collection, and loved all things science fiction and Star Trek.

Though he was a man of few words, Randy cared about the people in his life and gave all he had generously to those who loved him.

Survivors include his mother, Retha Palmer of Wilmington; two children: Arlene Osborn of Diamond, Illinois and Steve Osborn of Joliet, Illinois, and one step-son, David Tibbett of Streator, Illinois; four grandchildren: Ashley Goodwin (Tony Feigel), David Goodwin, Jr. (Kayla Jock), Devin Goodwin, and Keegan Lauffer; five great grandchildren: Ana and Alex Feigel, Khaleesi Gregory, Travis Jock, and Brielle Goodwin; and numerous extended family.

Randy was preceded in death by his grandparents: Joe and Hazel Palmer and Retha and Ralph Osborn; his father, Earl Palmer, his wife, Debbie Osborn, his step-daughter, Evelyn Wright, and his step-brother, Timothy Wright.

Per his wishes, cremation rites are being accorded.

The family will receive friends for a memorial visitation at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road, in Wilmington on Monday, September 9, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of memorial service at 12:30 p.m. 

Randy will be laid to rest with full military honors at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois with his late wife, Debbie.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.BaskervilleFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Randy’s memorial page online through social media.

Cremation services and memorial arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory in Wilmington. (815-476-2181)