Steve Osborne

  Steve “Big Steve” Osborne, 68, continued his journey with the Lord surrounded by the love of his family on July 15, 2026. He was born on July 22, 1957, to Dorcil and Dixie Osborne. He is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Toni Osborne; his son, Stephen Osborne (Kayleigh); the light of his life, his granddaughter, Juniper Ivy Osborne; his brother, Brendt Osborne (Tina); brother-in-law, William E “Bill” Perkins and countless extended family members and dear friends who were blessed to know and love him. In addition to his parents, Steve was preceded in death by his sister, Pamela “Pam” Osborne Perkins, and his brother, Walter "Punkin" Osborne. To most, he was Steve. To many, he was Big Steve. To one little girl, he was simply Papaw—a title he wore more proudly than any other. Steve spent nearly 50 years as a lineman, a career built on hard work, sacrifice, and showing up no matter the weather or the hour. It wasn't just a job; it was part of who he was. Having only recently retired, he was finally beginning the chapter everyone hoped would be filled with more time in the woods, more Ohio State Saturdays, more family time, and maybe—just maybe—a Bengals season that wouldn't leave him shaking his head every Sunday. For 51 years, and 46 of those as husband and wife, Steve shared a love story with the love of his life, Toni. Their marriage wasn't built on grand gestures alone, but on unwavering commitment, quiet faithfulness, and choosing each other every single day. It became the foundation for a family that was deeply loved and fiercely protected. If there was one role Steve treasured above all else, it was being Papaw to Juniper Ivy. There are toys and games that will eventually be outgrown, but the memories of running through the yard, going on adventures, hearing Papaw say "coo coo," and feeling completely adored will last forever. There is no measuring the impact of a Papaw who made a child feel like the center of his world. Steve had a way of loving that didn't always arrive wrapped in words. Sometimes it looked like slipping someone fifty dollars with a simple, "Kate, take this and go get some coffee or get your nails done." Sometimes it looked like showing up without being asked. Sometimes it was simply being there. He loved in ways that made people feel cared for long after the moment had passed. To those who didn't know him well, Steve could seem quiet. But those fortunate enough to earn a seat beside him knew better. He could talk for hours—especially if the conversation involved his family, music, hunting, or telling stories. He was endlessly proud of the people he loved, and nowhere was that pride more evident than when he talked about his son. You didn't have to wonder how Steve felt about him. He carried that pride with him everywhere he went. He would have gone to the ends of the earth for the people he loved. And everyone who knew him knew it. He loved music—the good kind, as he would probably remind us. If a great song came on, (chances are it was Bob Seger) Steve knew who sang it, what album it was on, and probably had a story to go with it. He was one of the few people who could truly challenge me when it came to music, and I loved every minute of it. Above all else, Steve was a man of faith. In life's greatest joys and its hardest moments, he knew where to place his trust. His faith gave him strength, guided the way he loved his family, and shaped the life he lived. The world feels quieter without him. But grief exists only because love existed first. Steve's life wasn't defined by the day he was born or the day he left us. It was defined by his faith, every power line restored, every sacrifice made, every laugh shared, every adventure with sweet Junie, every conversation, every act of generosity, every song turned up a little louder, and every life made better because he was part of it. The greatest measure of a man is the people who are better because they knew him. By that measure, Steve lived an extraordinary life. We will miss Big Steve every day. We will tell his stories, laugh at the memories, cheer on the Buckeyes, complain about the Bengals, listen to the good music a little louder, and love our families the way he loved his. Because that's how he would want us to carry him forward. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Steve's life on Sunday, July 19, at World Outreach Ministries in Wellston. Visitation will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. A Celebration of Life service will follow the visitation at 4 p.m. with Pastor Carmen Cline and Pastor Rob Ervin officiating. Burial will follow in the Ridgewood Cemetery. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.mcwilliams-funeralhome.com.