Deacon Moses Robert Lincoln Osborne

Deacon Moses Robert Lincoln Osborne On Valentine’s Day in 1941, the second child and first son was born to the late Moses and Evangeline Leonard Osborne. His name was exemplary of the pride his parents felt Moses Robert Lincoln Osborne; Moses from his father, Robert from his maternal grandfather and Lincoln from the 16th president. His immediate family called him Lincoln and extended family and school mates called him Moses. Known by either name, he grew up to be a responsible, a true friend and hardworking individual. Eternal rest came on Thursday, December 24, 2020 at age 79. In a small creek near the St. Rest B.C., Lincoln was baptized at an early age. In 1954 the family moved from St. Rest to Grambling. On occasions when his father was at work, Lincoln took on many responsibilities at an early age. As a preteen and just barely tall enough to see over the steering wheel and legs stretched to reach the petals, he drove a standard shift truck with his mother and 6 siblings over 20 miles back to the St. Rest community to visit Grandmother Ellen (Leonard) and other relatives and friends. He bore this position proudly proclaimed his mantra, “Modear, I can do it” and he did! His formal education began in a 3 room school house, St. Rest Elementary where all the students were his cousins. He completed his elementary and high school studies at Grambling High School. He received many awards as a member of the Future Farmers of America club and as defensive player on the football team. After high school he enrolled at Mississippi Valley State University, Itta Bena, MS. Having mastered his course work, he decided to leave school and go to work. He initially worked with his uncles, Hardy and Benny Osborne, where he honed his skills as master brick mason. Working in the tristate area, Louisiana, Mississippi and Arkansas and facing challenging weather conditions such as extreme heat and cold, Lincoln retired after 50+ years. Some of the noteworthy worksites include Mt. Zion B.C. (Grambling, Benny Osborne general contractor); the Robinson football stadium and several buildings on GSU and La. Tech campuses; the Jimmy Davis State Park (Caney Lake); Temple B.C. (Ruston) the Liberty Hill Baptist Association (Grambling) and several residences including his Aunt Mary Osborne Flournoy’s home. His oldest sister, Ellen, recalls their father touring some of Lincoln’s worksites and pointing out “that’s the corner where my son laid bricks”. In 1963 Lincoln was drafted into the US Army. He was part of the Engineer Corp. His tour of duty placed him in Thailand for 1 year, where he helped to build roads using earth moving equipment. He was honorably discharged in 1965. During Lincoln’s spare time he was an avid sportsman. He loved hunting and fishing. He also was passionate about gardening. He often shared his produce with family. Listening to the “blues” was a favorite past time and he enjoyed sharing it with his grands. Lincoln was ordained a deacon in 2005 by Rev William Cleveland at Bellview Baptist Church in Delhi, LA. He enjoyed Sunday School and church services; often he was one of the first for morning service. He also supported the church by addressing small maintenance projects. His parents, Moses and Evangeline Osborne, and brother, Floyd Felton Osborne, Sr., will greet him on the other side. To cherish his memories are his wife of 56+ years, Julia Marie (Smith) and his children: Robert R. Green of Grambling, Lincoln Fitzgerald, Kevin Kenneth, and Karen Roberson (Ronald) of Dallas and Moses Robert (Judy) of University City, MO; grandchildren: Brittney of D.C., Keilan of Dallas, LaShunda Melton of Houston; Great-grands: LaCameron, Kammeron and Xavier of Houston; his 5 sisters: Ellen Goggins of Akron, Sofronia Carr, Elnora Montgomery and Ruth Osborne of Grambling and Beattie Street (Carl) of Arcadia; godson: Carl Marwan Street (Angela) of Carrollton, TX; sisters-in-law: Clara Gilbert of Monroe, Betty Osborne of Dallas, JoAnn Smith of Delhi, and Virginia Smith of Crowville, Special niece Rochelle Gilbert-Abram (Sean) of Brandon, MS; and nieces, nephews, grandniece, grandnephews and a host of relatives and friends. “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 KJV

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