MERRILL MACK OSBORN,

76, of Little Rock, passed away June 30, 2020 after a long illness. He was born in El Paso, Texas on September 11, 1943. He grew up in Paris, Arkansas where he spent his boyhood days roaming the woods and camping on Mount Magazine. He loved being a boy scout. His big love was deer hunting on public land. He loved trains, playing baseball, (his Dad was the coach) guns, reading, and in his later years traveling through Ouachita National Forrest with his wife. He loved all kinds of music; his favorite songs were, “Theme From a Summer Place” and “Moon River”. Mack was a devoted father, husband, and grandfather and touched a lot of hearts with his humor and candor.

Preceded in death by his parents, John Bode and Hallie Nell (McPhearson) Osborn, and a brother John Bode Jr. He is survived by his wife Glynda Osborn of Little Rock; ex-wife Jimmie Osborn of Fort Smith; son Matthew Bode Osborn of Little Rock; daughter Patricia Jeanne Osborn of Crestview, Florida; seven grandchildren, Hallie Allyn Osborn, Nora Rose Osborn, Susannah Adelaide Osborn, Jennifer Elizabeth Dodd, Heather Suzanne Walker, Christopher Logan Walker, and Hallie Isabella Spence; and two great-grandchildren Alexander Carl Dodd, and Serenity Alice Dodd.

He excelled in sports at Paris High School and graduated in 1961 where he was Mr. Paris High. Mack attended Arkansas Polytechnic College for 3 years and graduated with a Civil Engineering degree from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. As a Supervisory Hydraulic Engineer, his career spanned 35 years with the U.S. Army Corps. of Engineers Little Rock District, from November 15, 1966 to November 30, 2001. Among his many accomplishments was Engineer of the year and on the Gallery of Distinguished Civilians.

A private family burial service will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Please observe safe distancing and wear a mask. Due to the covid-19 pandemic we will have an open memorial at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Paris Little League Baseball, Paris Chamber of Commerce, 479-963-2249, Boys and Girls Club. Please sign the on-line guestbook at www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.

Heaven just got one dam good Hydraulic Engineer.