Clayton Osman

Mr. Arthur Clayton Osman was born on April 4, 1919, to Arthur Osman and Martha Ann Bruce Osman, in Piggott, Arkansas. In the 1930's the family relocated to Flat River, Missouri, where Clayton graduated from Flat River High School. He continued professional studies at Flat River Junior College and Michigan State University.

He began a forty-four year career with Missouri Natural Gas in 1936. At the time of his retirement, he was Senior Vice-President and General Manager. During his career, he also served as Director of the Midwest Gas Association, President of the Industrial Development Corporation of Farmington, Missouri; President of the Farmington Chamber of Commerce; President of the East Central Missouri Shrine Club and Farmington Kiwanis Club. He was also a Thirty-Second Degree Scottish Rite Mason, a member of Moolah Shrine Temple of St. Louis, Missouri, and a member of Farmington ELKS Lodge #1765.

Along with his work, he became a member of the Board of Directors of Ozarks Federal Savings and Loan in 1961, an association that lasted until his death.

Mr. Osman was a member of the First Baptist Church of Farmington, MO., having confessed his faith in Christ at the age of twelve in the Flat River Baptist Church. He had been an active member of the First Baptist Church of Farmington for the past fifty-plus years. Mr. Osman had a great love for music. He played trombone in Dixie Land and Big Bands in the 30's and 40's. His encouragement led all his children down a similar path, with three daughters pursuing their profession in music and his son was in the band Medallion.

Mr. Osman was preceded in death by Rena Ellen Duemler, whom he married in 1940; his son, Robert Clayton Osman; and his second wife, Dolores Trogdon Nelms, whom he married in 1966.

He is survived by: his daughters, Carole Ruth (Lt. Col. Martin, USAF, retired) Nickerson, of Prescott, Arizona; Dr. Nancy Osman (Rev. John) Moore, of Brandon, Mississippi; Janet Lynn (Richard) Fredrick, of Scottsdale, Arizona; and, his son, James Richard (Ann) Osman, of Festus, Missouri. He is also survived by his dear friend Warna Lucas, of Farmington, MO. In addition to his step-sons Richard L. (Dawn) Nelms of St. Louis; Capt. Larry W. (Sharon) Nelms, USN, retired of Farmington; and Bruce T. (Tina) Nelms, of Cape Girardeau, Missouri. In addition, Mr. Osman is survived by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Visitation : Saturday, 5-8 p.m. Visitation resumes Sunday morning, 6:30 a.m. - 12 Noon. Visitation moves to Farmington First Baptist Church, Sunday, starting at 1:00 p.m.

MASONIC SERVICES : Sat., 7:00 p.m. @ TAYLOR Funeral CHAPEL, conducted by Desloge AM/FM Ionic Lodge

Funeral : Sunday, 2:00 p.m., August 2, 2009,

at : Farmington First Baptist Church, with Dr. William C. Miller and Rev. John C. Moore officiating.

Interment follows at Hillview Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Farmington.

Memorials to : * Farmington First Baptist Church, Music Fund &/or * The American Cancer Society.