Earl William Osborne Jr.

on January 10, 2026.

Earl was born on March 29, 1933, in Casa Grande to Gertrude Brooks Osborne and Earl Osborne. He was born in a small cottage his parents built just off the old Gila Bend Highway, west of the railroad underpass, on property known locally as Sunset Court and the Texaco Gas Station. With Earl’s later input and guidance, the iconic Sunset Court sign became one of the first installed at the entrance of the Neon Sign Park. He took great pride in having lived his entire life in the town where his story began.

From an early age, Earl carried responsibility well beyond his years. When his father passed away, Earl was only 9 year old, yet he stepped naturally into the role of man of the house, a responsibility that shaped the work ethic, perseverance, and steady reliability he carried throughout his life. In high school, he was known as both a cowboy at heart and a bit of a ladies’ man, while also excelling on the football and track teams at Casa Grande Union High School.

Earl went on to attend Arizona State University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Technology in 1955 and a Master’s degree in Physics in 1960. He began his teaching career at Camelback High School, but his heart ultimately brought him home. In 1966, he joined the faculty at Casa Grande Union High School, where he taught physics, math, and space science until his retirement in 1995.

Teaching was never simply a profession for Earl. It was a calling. He was beloved by generations of students for his enthusiasm, humor, and unforgettable demonstrations. Students still recall the famous fake rock drop, the hand-cranked generator capable of producing a startling six-inch spark, and Earl’s fearless willingness to put his head inside the electrical arc, all to the delight of the classroom. Equally memorable were his desert stargazing field trips near Central Arizona College, held long before light pollution softened the night sky. Earl often said he had the best students anyone could ask for, and his former students returned that admiration many times over.

During his teaching years, Earl also served in leadership roles as President of the Arizona Education Association, the Casa Grande Education Association, and the Arizona Science Teachers Association, advocating tirelessly for educators and science education across the state.

Retirement suited him only briefly. Earl soon returned to the classroom, teaching on the Tohono O’odham Nation and later at the Corrections Corporation of America facility in Florence, where he continued to educate and mentor with the same dedication he always had.

In 1960, Earl met Marlene, the love of his life. They were married in 1963 and together built a family that became the center of everything he did. A devoted husband and father, Earl rarely stood still. He was an entrepreneur who developed and managed a successful trailer park, helped keep the family business, Sunset Court, running, and was forever immersed in a project. Whether repairing cottages, researching investments, or attending his children’s activities, Earl was tireless. His family always knew he was present, supportive, and proud. Earl’s pride in his family extended beyond his children. He held a deep affection for his six nephews and three nieces, whom he proudly claimed as his own and considered true family.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Gertrude Osborne, and his sister, Patricia Farrow. He is survived by his brothers Jerry Osborne and Bill Osborne; his children Deborah (Charlie) Wheeler, Gaylene (Rick) Barnhart, Earllynn (Jeff) Jackson, Brooks Osborne, and Kelly (Douglas) Winebarger; nine grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and eight great-great-

grandchildren.

Earl William Osborne Jr. leaves behind a legacy of dedication, curiosity, hard work, and love. He will be remembered as a devoted family man, a gifted teacher, a lifelong learner, and a proud son

of Casa Grande whose influence continues in the lives he shaped, both at home and in the classroom.

A religious ceremony will be held at Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, located at 201 N Picacho St, Casa Grande, AZ 85122, United States. The ceremony is scheduled for January 22, 2026, from 8:00 am to 10:00 am.

Following the religious ceremony, a committal service will take place at an external service location, 15506 W Skyway Ave, Casa Grande, AZ 85193, United States. This service is set for January 22, 2026, from 10:30 am to 11:30 am.