Douglas Edward Osburn

A fifth generation Texan, he was born at home on a small farm on the outskirts of Marlin, Texas on the 28th of June 1933.

At the end of WWII, the family settled in the Heights neighborhood in Houston. Doug attended schools in Houston, graduating from John H. Reagan High School in 1951. He attended the University of Houston on a baseball scholarship and on graduating in 1955 was signed to play professional baseball with the Philadelphia Philly organization. While playing for the Phillies in the spring and summer, Doug spent the rest of the year teaching and coaching at St. John’s School, in Houston. Doug's baseball career ended in 1958, and he became a full-time faculty member of St. John's School.

In 1962 Doug began sharing his time between St. John’s and Rice University where he was hired to coach baseball. His dual positions continued until 1974 when he left St. John’s to take on added responsibilities at Rice where, in addition to coaching baseball, he became the university’s first Women’s Athletic Director, director of club sports, and later as Assistant Director of Athletics in charge of facilities. Finally, in 1980, Doug returned to St. John’s where he worked until his retirement in June of 2000.

Doug enjoyed great success as an athlete and as a coach. During his career he won awards for his talent as a player, was twice a Southwest Athletic Conference Coach of the Year, served as a committee chairman for the NCAA for fourteen years was inducted into the Karl Young Baseball League Hall of Fame, and was awarded the status of Faculty Emeritus when he retired from St. John’s School.

He was preceded in death by his parents Douglas and Jewel Osburn and his sister Jewel Elizabeth Osburn. He is survived by his wife, Nance; his children, Karon Osburn and husband Ed Byrd, Alan Osburn and wife Lee Ann, and Todd Osburn and wife Laura. He is also survived by his brother, Warren H. Osburn; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Doug will be lovingly remembered by his family and friends for his great sense of fun, his numerous practical jokes, the sneaky ‘pinch-os’ he inflicted, for his loyalty and devotion to his family, friends, and dogs, for his independent spirit, and his love of life.

A memorial service is to be conducted at half-past one o’clock in the afternoon, on Tuesday, the 22nd of October 2013, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons in Houston, where Pastor Johnnie Hudson is to officiate.

In lieu of customary remembrances, contributions in Doug’s memory may be directed to St. John School, 2401 Claremont Lane, Houston, TX, 77019; Rice University, 6100 Main, Houston, TX, 77251; or to the charity of one’s choice.