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 Osborn Funeral Home was founded in 1907 by N.W. Osborn. In addition to the funeral home he also had a furniture store, carpet, sheet flooring, wallpaper, and paint store in the same building. In 1938, Mr. Osborn brought his son, Sterling Osborn, into the business. Sterling and his father operated the business together until N.W.’s death in 1960, at which time Sterling took over full operation of the business. In 1973 Sterling sold out of the furniture, flooring and paint portion and remolded the funeral home. In 1983 Sterling hired Thomas Hester to work in the firm as a non-licensed employee. Thomas attended mortuary school at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and received his Funeral Director and embalmers license in 1988. Sterling passed away in 1998 at which time Thomas took over ownership of the firm. He and his wife Cheryl continue to operate the funeral home today. They have one child, Brandy Karcher. Brandy’s husband, Kurt, is attending Mortuary school at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. He works at the firm part time as a funeral attendant.  Marty Mills is a part time licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer. He has been with the firm since 1986. Marty was part owner in the funeral home until he sold his interest to Thomas. Marty is an Associate Pastor at Central Christian Church in Mt. Vernon, IL. Charles Burge has been a part time employee since 1977. Charles works as a funeral attendant and driver. | ||