Senior Olympian building life plan

Wendell Osborn was born and raised in Curry County and has lived in Clovis since 1959. He went to school 6 miles east of Broadview at a school that closed in 1957. He went to college for one year and then worked on the railroad for 5 years.

Courtesy photo

Clovis resident Wendell Osborn participated in the 2016 New Mexico Senior Olympics in Roswell from July 13-16, winning several medals in various events.

When he wasn’t able to farm he opened a local Baskin Robbins that stayed open for 2 years until he sold. He went back to farming in 1966 and continued until he retired in 2010.

He is married to his long-time love, Jan Osborn, who is a retired educator at Clovis Municipal Schools. They have two adult children and four grandkids.

Since retiring, Osborn has kept himself busy. This year, Osborn won six medals at the New Mexico Senior Olympics in Roswell. He won two second place, a third place and two fourth place medals. He has participated in the Senior Olympics for 25 years and has won over 300 medals.

He currently leases his farm, enjoys playing dominoes, playing cards and drinking coffee at the senior center. He goes to the gym every day to exercise and plays his favorite sport of basketball.

Tell us a story about your childhood.

I lived out in the country as a kid and it was kind of lonesome out there. I couldn’t walk across the street and play with other kids. But I’ve always loved sports. My dogs and cats were my friends. I’ve always loved animals. My pigs and cows were my pets.

What is your theme song?

I write songs. I’ve recorded a few; not for money, but just to have a CD. My wife sings as well. We do it for our own enjoyment. But my favorite song is “Help Me Make It Through the Night” by Sammi Smith.

What’s so great about your favorite sport?

Well, I don’t know why basketball is so great but I was probably better at it than any other sport. I still like it. We didn’t play football in the country schools back in my day. It was either basketball, baseball and track and I liked basketball the best.

What’s your favorite taste?

Mexican food, hamburgers and, of course, ice cream and candy.

What’s your favorite smell?

Morning coffee.

If you could master one instrument, what would it be?

I took piano lessons for 10 years, so if I could master it that’s what it would be. But I’d like to master all instruments.

Tell us about your greatest individual accomplishment?

I married a good wife. I dedicated my album to her called “My Love Forever.” She’s my partner and best friend and truly my love forever.

What place would you like to travel to and why?

I’ve never had much desire to go anywhere, especially not out of the country. I’m scared of airplanes and water. But I’ve been all over the US. When I was younger I wanted to go see the pyramids, but no one wanted to go with me at that time.

What is your favorite place you’ve traveled to?

Las Vegas (Nevada) would be good as any. I’ve been there a few times. But I didn’t go to try to win. I went to have a good time.

Do you have any projects or life plans lined up?

Yes. I have a partner and we’re building some spec homes in Amarillo. Other than that, I just enjoy every day as they come along. I only plan on making it to heaven someday and hopefully all of my loved ones will be with me. Other than that, life goes on day by day.

— Compiled by CMI Correspondent D’Nieka Hartsfield