Tex R. Osborne

TEX R. OSBORNE - ADVENTURES - A street was built around the corner from his home, and a dream was born. Graduated from Waco High School in 1947 he was "off to the races," literately. In 1954 he struck out to Alaska in an old pick up truck with a camper, grub box and a barrel of gasoline driving up the Alcan Hwy it was a five day trip over a bolder, rocky road. Armed with a letter from his former employer stating: He is hard working, honest and sober. Upon presenting this he was hired on the spot in Fairbanks. The project was White Alice, building roads up mountains for radar sites. Betty joined him later and they lived in the Black Rapids Hunting Lodge until the job was finished. Then it was on to Lliamma. Flown in on Morrison-Knudsen's sea plane, then boat it was up to the work camp. Meanwhile in Anchorage Betty realized her dream of being a stewardess with Northern Consolidated Airlines. Covering the interior of the state, aboard a D-C-3. She later earned her Private Pilots licenses. At times as Tex and the radio operator were playing cards, and listening to the 2-Way they would hear her captain giving the crew flight number etc. and know "there she goes again". This was a treacherous mountain. At one point the mountain's side gave away and Tex jumped off the machine's high side as the bulldozer disintegrated on way to the bottom. Days later his friend was not so lucky. He lost his life. The job finished and the work season over, Tex and Betty returned to Waco in time for the holidays. The next year Tex drove a 1949 "James Dean Special" to Seattle, hired out again and back for a second go round. Tex worked for several companies as foreman and superintendent, building I-35 from San Antonio to the Kansas border. Starting his own company in 1963 work took him from Texas to San Luis, Potosi, Mexico, Ohio and Arizona. Tex enjoyed motorcycles and motocross. Once racing every Sunday for over a year. He and Betty saw the 1st Grad Prix in Long Beach California. As well as the Spruce Goose and the Queen Mary. He also enjoyed coyote hunting, golf, NASCAR and a good party. Tex's career span over 62 years. He never wanted to, nor did he retire. Tex & Betty Forever Sweethearts Tex R. Osborne was born in Ovalo, TX to Michie & Bess Osborne and passed away peacefully at his home April 26, 2011. Preceded in death by his sisters: Bettye Sue Smith & Infant Rose. He is survived by his beloved wife: Betty Osborne; brothers: Bill & wife Chris Osborne of Valley Mills, Bobby Osborne of Waxahachie and Don & wife Cathy Osborne of Mt. Pleasant; brother in law: Aubrey Burge and his family of Waco; several nieces, other relatives and a host of friends. A Friend to all - he realized his dreams. To Celebrate His Live Time Adventures a Memorial Gathering will be held from 1:00 P.M. until 2:30 P.M., Thursday, April 28, 2011 at West/Hurtt Funeral Home. In Lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the charity of your choice or the SPCA.