Zachary C. Osborn's Obituary
OSBORN, Zachary C., age 46, of Wellington, Florida, and formerly of Wilmington, Ohio, passed away Thursday, April 10, 2025.
Zach loved horses and worked as a Farrier for over 25 years. He owned his own business, aptly named Essential Forging, traveling the country specializing in the care of horses, particularly the hoof care of equines. In addition, he was a member of the American Farrier’s Association.
A devoted husband, proud father, skilled horse farrier, and passionate outdoorsman, Zach lived every day with purpose and joy. He was the kind of man who made you feel like family the moment you met him. Generous, hard-working, funny, and fiercely loyal, he was the life of every gathering and the steady hand behind the scenes. Zach lived by a simple but powerful motto: work hard, love hard, and play hard. As a farrier, he poured his strength, precision, and care into his craft, earning deep respect in the equestrian world and building lasting relationships with both animals and their owners. But his true pride was in his role as a husband and father. He adored his wife and sons beyond measure, and his eyes lit up most when he was with them, whether fishing early mornings on a quiet lake or gathered around the fire on a cool night. Zach had a deep love for the outdoors. From white water rafting in the wild rapids of West Virginia to hunting in the backwoods of Wilmington or casting a line in the stillness of the morning, he found peace and thrill in nature’s raw beauty. Sharing those moments with his sons became his greatest joy in recent years. A passionate cook and grill master, Zach was never far from his smoker. It traveled with him like a trusted companion, whether at home in Florida or back in Ohio. He had a way of bringing people together through food—hosting epic backyard barbecues, unforgettable Fourth of July blowouts with pro-level fireworks, and bonfires that seemed to burn just a little brighter when he was there. Zach also had a rare talent for forging knives, each one a unique gift he gave to friends—a reflection of his generosity and craftsmanship. He never did anything halfway. Everything he touched—whether it was a piece of steel, a family meal, or the lives of those around him—he gave it his all. Zach’s legacy is one of love, laughter, adventure, and deep connection. He leaves behind a family that cherished him, friends who admired him, and a community that will never forget the man who showed up with a big heart, a bigger smile, and a firework or two in his back pocket. He will be missed beyond words, but his spirit will live on in every crackling bonfire, every river rapid, every cast line, and every gathering where stories are shared and laughter is loud.
He was preceded in death by his father, Tom Osborn. He is survived by his wife of seven years, Abbey; two sons, Logan and Ethan; his mother, Victoria Osborn; his sister, Tiffany Rush and her husband Craig, their son Sam and daughter Marlee; his favorite brother, Josh Osborn; father and mother-in-law, Robert and Carol Wilcox; brother-in-law, Jay Wilcox; and sister-in-law, Sara Wilcox.
The family will receive friends from 11 am - 1 pm on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville. A celebration of life service will immediately follow the visitation at 1 pm on Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Miami Cemetery, Corwin. If desired, contributions may be made to Heavenwood Farm for equestrian-assisted therapy, thereby assisting families who have experienced a trauma in their lives. You can donate through the link at https://www.heavenwardfarm.org/contact-us. Condolences at www.stubbsconner.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Zachary?
What’s a lesson you learned from Zachary?
Share a story where Zachary's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Zachary you’ll never forget.
How did Zachary make you smile?