David Lowell Osmon

David Lowell Osmon, 82, of Mountain Home, Arkansas, departed this life on Monday, May 8, 2023. David was born on January 18, 1941, in Marked Tree, Arkansas, to Lawrence and Isobell Burrows Osmon.

David felt blessed to have raised four children and enjoy many grandchildren. A husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, this is the legacy we have from him.

David is survived by his wife, Nancy Bedford Osmon of Mountain Home, AR; three sons, David Scott (Dwana) Osmon of Mountain Home, AR, Stephen Brian (Christine) Osmon of Chesterfield, MO, and Michael James (Bonnie) Bedford of Bentonville, AR; daughter, Rachael Marie (Gregory) Schwent of Fredricktown, MO; nine grandchildren, Alex (Costin), Hannah, Dylan (Jessica), Grant, Tatum, Bretton, Racan, Brielle, and Sekih; two great-grandchildren, Chatham and Olive; sister, Margaret Childers of Flint, MI; two sisters-in-law, Nell Osmon of Burton, MI, and Wanda Osmon of Rogers, AR; and many dear nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Sonny Osmon and Harold Osmon; two sisters, Betty Poland and Lora Mott; two brothers-in-law, William Childers and Charles Mott; father-in-law, James Bedford; and mother-in-law, Mary Bedford.

After graduation from Bald Knob High School, David was able to attend Arkansas State College, with the assistance of a football scholarship. After transferring to Ouachita Baptist College, he graduated with dual degrees in chemistry and biology, with a minor in math. Singing in a rock and roll band provided additional funds for his education.

After graduation, David was employed by NASA and the United States Air Force as a chemist at Cape Canaveral for 3 1/2 years. During that time, he continued his studies in math at Florida Institute of Technology at Melbourne, Florida. With a passion for flying, he had the opportunity to obtain his pilots license, while working at the Cape. In January of 1968, David left the Cape and enrolled in the MBA program at Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama. Although he completed sufficient undergraduate studies for a BSBA, he abandoned the MBA program at Auburn. Realizing his true calling, he transferred to Memphis State University in the fall of 1968, where he was admitted to law school. David graduated from Memphis State School of Law in the spring of 1971, with honors.

David was employed with the IRS in Dallas, Texas, before he realized Arkansas was calling him home. It was in Mountain Home where he would set up the general practice of law. He felt it was an honor to provide pro-bono work to many start-up, non-profit organizations, along with setting up wills and trusts for clergy.

After retirement from the law practice, David ran for Mayor of Mountain Home, where he served in that capacity from 2007-2014. During his tenor, he organized the acquisition of the old library to be used for the Mountain Home Police Department. Then oversaw the complete remodel of the new police department, using local volunteers and prisoners from the Baxter County Jail. He went on to remodel the Municipal Building, making multiple improvements to the city parks and put in a community garden on Highway 201 North. By putting in Arkansas Avenue and Rodeo Drive, the city created options to avoid the main highways. Contracting with the Arkansas State Highway, the city expanded College Street from 9th Street to the bypass, making a three lane road with sidewalks. Through the desire to provide more activity on the downtown square and his love of music, David established Music on the Square.

Having great love for his community, David served on many boards of directors, including the Baxter Day Service Center, Mountain Home Christian Clinic, Ozark Community Foundation, and Our Lord's Service. He was the past president of the Mountain Home Chamber of Commerce and was a member, past president, and past treasurer of the Baxter County Bar Association. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Mountain Home.

In his younger years, David enjoyed coaching little league baseball. Later, much of David's free time would be spent outdoors, starting some new construction project, hunting, or fishing.

David will always be remembered for his love of music, strong work ethic, compassion for helping others, and the love he had for his family and friends. We can shed tears because he has left us, or we can smile because he has lived.

Visitation will be Friday, June 16, 2023, from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm, at First United Methodist Church, Mountain Home, Arkansas. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 17, 2023, at 11:00 am at First United Methodist Church, with Reverend Daniel Thueson officiating.

Memorial donations may be made in David's name to the First United Methodist Church or the Mountain Home Christian Clinic.

Arrangements are by Kirby & Family Funeral & Cremation Services - Mountain Home, AR. Visit an online obituary and guestbook at www.kirbyandfamily.com