Branson mourns the loss of a legendary entertainer with ties to the community.
Wayne Osmond, a part of the world-famous Osmond family, was the fourth of nine Osmond children and the second oldest among the family's musical performers. The Osmond Brothers—Wayne, along with Alan, Merrill and Jay—began their career in the 1950s. The quartet of brothers was later joined on stage by younger brother Donny. They got their big break in the music business with help from Branson legend Andy Williams. After enjoying a stellar career, the four original Osmond Brothers settled in Branson, where their show was popular with the many music-lovers who traveled to the music mecca each year. The Osmond's tight family harmonies, combined with sibling antics and good-natured fun made them a favorite with motorcoach groups and individuals alike.
As word of Wayne's passing spread, many of his peers and friends shared their thoughts on the vocalist, musician and funnyman.
Wayne's brother Merrill, who confirmed his passing on Facebook, said, "I've never known a man that had more humility. A man with absolutely no guile. An individual that was quick to forgive and had the ability to show unconditional love to everyone he ever met."
Said Brian Seitz, State Representative for District 156, "I was saddened by the passing of Osmond Brother Wayne Osmond. We only spoke on a few occasions during their show run in Branson, but he was always cordial and humorous. He is missed."
Terry Bledsoe added, "Always had a blast working with him over the years. One of the funniest human beings I've ever met. Condolences to the family. He will be missed."
In a Facebook post, Connie Floray noted, "Wayne was just a sweetheart. He had a crazy sense of humor and an endless supply of jokes. One of the things I admired most about Wayne was his unwavering faith. And the fact that no matter the physical issues he dealt with, he never complained about any of it. My thoughts and prayers are with his family."
"I admired Wayne a lot and really enjoyed not only his singing, but how quick-witted he was," said entertainer Randy Plummer. He contributed so much to the Osmond Brothers, and I will sure miss him."
Branson's Mike McAdoo shared his thoughts, via Facebook, stating, "You can't play almost two thousand performances without getting to know someone pretty well. Wayne was one of a kind. I hung out with Wayne and Jay more than any of the other brothers. Wayne always kept things light and didn't talk a lot about serious stuff. I either had a new joke for him or he had one for me. One time, he did ask me a serious question that threw me at first. He said, 'Mike, what was it like to grow up as a regular kid?' The Osmonds, from the time they could speak and sing, were always on stage. Wayne would sometimes do little magic tricks for fun on stage. We had clog dancers our first year. A female clogger would get inside the cage. Wayne spun it around after putting a cloth over it to hide the dancer. Then he would remove the cloth and, ta-da, a pot-bellied pig would appear. One day, without Wayne knowing, they brought in a live tiger from the sanctuary north of town. When Wayne pulled off the cloth, I'd never seen him so speechless as he was that day. Fly high, Wane-iac! You were a funny, nice, sincere and talented man. We all love you and will miss you!"
Said former Branson Mayor Karen Best, "The Osmonds' footprints are all over Branson. They performed here for many years and have left a legacy in the area. Wayne Osmond was loved by all who knew him. He was most loved for his quick wit, sense of humor and love of family."
Steve Presley of Presley's Country Jubilee shared his thoughts, saying, "When the Osmond family arrived in Branson to open their theater, it was an exciting time for our community. Wayne's personality and sense of humor was a perfect fit for Branson. Branson audiences love to laugh, and Wayne's gift of providing laughter along with his beautiful singing was an instant hit. Our family is blessed to call the Osmond family friends, and we send our thoughts and prayers to them."
Branson headliner Doug Gabriel noted, "I have known the Osmond family for many years, and am truly saddened by the passing of Wayne. I always loved watching the brothers here in Branson, and their tight family harmony was just incredible. I loved Wayne's sense of humor on stage, as I remember his quick wit. One time, he started singing the song ‘Born Free,’ but then added the words 'My dad is a doctor.' My show was at the Osmond Theater years ago, and I was grateful to share the same stage as these musical icons. Wayne Osmond and his entire family have blessed us all by coming to Branson. I'm grateful to God for the honor of knowing this beautiful family, and I'm grateful for our friendship all these years. I'm praying for the entire family during this difficult time. I pray Jesus surrounds them with his perfect peace!"
On behalf of the Hughes Brothers and their families, Jason Hughes shared, "We love the entire Osmond family. They have always been such an inspiration to us. We grew up watching and listening and trying to emulate them. We have loved our association with them throughout our time in Branson. The first time we performed in the Osmond Show, Wayne was out of the show, due to a brain tumor, so we didn't get to know him as well as the other Osmond Brothers. But, years later, Wayne, Merrill and Merrill's daughter, Heather, did a show in our theatre for a season. It was great getting to know Wayne. He was such a pro. He always had such a giving attitude. I remember him sharing jokes with us backstage that he had heard or read somewhere. He was always keeping us entertained backstage. I still have a joke book he gave me back then. We will miss Wayne. It gives us solace thinking about the song the Osmonds always ended their show with—'God Be With You Till We Meet Again'."
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