Van Joel Osborne

Van Osborne, 58, died peacefully in his sleep on May 19, 2016, at his residence on the banks of the Concho, near San Angelo, TX. The city's vibrant music scene has lost one of its most revered players and crafters of songs. There was a deep-seated sweetness to Van that was tempered with an equal measure of sadness. He loved fiercely, possessed the soul of a poet, and the muse paid frequent visits to his abode. The guitar was the extension of his artistry. His fingers did impossible things to it, and together they transformed suffering and heartache into beauty. He loved his dogs, spectacular sunsets, enchiladas, the Rio Frio, and a few lucky women he met along the way. He wore a tender heart on his well-worn sleeve but was still one tough son of a gun. He handled unimaginable hardship with stoic calm and still gave frequent vent to a sense of humor that was as dry as the Trans Pecos. Van was preceded in death by his wife, Peggy, his step-daughter, Robin, and his mother, June. He is survived by his beloved hounds, Lucky and Romeo, grandson, Matt, his father, Harold, brothers, Michael and Sam, step-daughter, Jenny, niece and nephews, Kelsey, Wheeler and Jack, sister in law, Audra, former wife, Kathy and her two children, and a list of friends and students too numerous to tally here. A memorial service will be held for Van on Saturday, June 4th, from 2-5pm at one of Van's favorite San Angelo venues, SPAM'S, 2321 Sherwood Way. The family requests no flowers. Please make a donation to your favorite charity, preferably one that involves dogs.