Thomas L. Osborn, 44, of Rock Island, passed away Saturday, March 9, 2013, at Trinity Rock Island after a brief, but courageous battle with cancer. A Funeral Mass will be held 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, Rock Island, with visitation one hour prior to the Mass at the church. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery, Rock Island. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alleman High School, St. Pius X Catholic Church or ARC of the Quad Cities. Tom was born Sept. 4, 1968, in Rock Island, the son of Martin and Cleo Chanez Osborn. He graduated from Alleman High School in 1986 and received an associates degree from Black Hawk College. Tom was employed at Trinity Hospital Rock Island, in the Environmental Services Department. Tom was a member of St. Pius X Church. He enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, his computer, casinos and was an avid Alleman Fan. Survivors include his mother, Cleo Osborn, Rock Island; siblings, Mary (Mike) Kelly, Rock Island, Susan (Roger Corrigan) Osborn, Anthem, Ariz., and Amy Osborn and Andy Osborn, both of Rock Island; and nephews, Joe and Sam Kelly. He was preceded in death by his father, Marty Osborn; and maternal and paternal grandparents. Online condolences can be sent to the family at RaffertyFunerals.com.
Today is Sunday, May 19, the 139th day of 2013. There are 226 days left in the year. 1863 -- 150 years ago: The Rt. Rev. Harry I. Witherspoon, D.D. Bishop of Illinois, willpreach in Trinity (Episcopal) Church, in this city this evening. 1888 -- 125 years ago: At 1 o'clock yesterday afternoon the Mississippi River flooded itsbanks at Rock Island, destroying the warehouse of the Rock Island Lumber companyand damaging the Lumber Company and arsenal power plant. Total loss isestimated at $100.000. 1913 -- 100 years ago: Residents of South Rock Island township are circulating a petitionfavoring the annexation of that area to the city of Rock Island. 1938 -- 75 years ago: Mrs. Thomas Ackles, of Rock Island, has been elected president ofthe Playcrafters for the next season. She succeeds Warren Leonard. 1963 -- 50 years ago: Some 8,000 people filed through the gates of Rock Island Arsenal on Saturday to view a display of a part of the nation's armed strength. The occasion was theannual observance of Armed Forces Day. 1988 -- 25 years ago: Willis Kuschmann, of Moline, who already has won his laurels as oneof the most artistic men in the Quad-Cities area, has a new hobby. He is deeply involvedin miniature railroading. At the age of 88, when many other seniors are dozing in theirchairs or sitting before the television, Mr. Kuschmann is planning and working on hiscollection.