Mr. Gurney Thomas Ossman, age 58, of Florence, Indiana was born on September 4, 1965 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Gurn was the son of the late, Thomas Arthur and Joanne Louise (Morris) Ossman. He was raised in Williamstown (Dayton), Pennsylvania and was a 1984 graduate of William Valley High School. Gurney’s childhood friends were Rich Hubler, Scott Nice, Denny and Troy Bixler and Leonard Krise. At a young age, Gurn could be found at Meadowbrook Coal Company under the watchful eyes of his mentors, his father, Tom, and Leslie Kimmel. It was there Gurney learned his work ethic and skills of operating heavy equipment and driving a truck. Gurney and Kelly Krise were blessed with three children, Brandon, Nicole and Erik. Gurney was later united in marriage on September 10, 1999 to Dawn Marie Naylor in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. The couple shared 19 years together and was blessed with four children. As a young adult, Gurney was employed for Meadowbrook Coal Company in Lykens, Pennsylvania for several years. He was a plant manager foreman and later opened a plant in Ghent, Kentucky where he worked from 2001-2017. Gurney’s dream was to own his own business with his children and for his children to work smarter and not as hard as he worked. He instilled his hard work ethic into his children. Gurney owned and operated Ossman Firewood in Willamstown, Pennsylvania and later in Florence, Indiana at his homestead for several years. Gurney was so proud to work alongside his daughter, Megan for the last several years. Megan took great care of Gurney and helping with anything that he needed, even putting up with his stubbornness and shenanigans. Gurney and his family resided in the Switzerland County community since 2001. He was a member of the National Federation of Independent Business and attended Vevay Assembly Church. Gurney was one of a kind and loved working, shooting guns and spending time with his grandchildren. He loved animals, especially his dog, Mia and had a deep love for his black Chevy truck! Gurney passed away on Sunday, December 10, 2023, at his residence in Florence, Indiana.
Gurney is survived by his children, Brandon Ossman and his wife, Aleah of Greensboro, NC, Nicole Green and her husband, Ryan of Lykens, PA, Erik Ossman and his wife, Morgan of Tremont, PA, Shannon Rosales and her husband, Christian of Vevay, IN, Megan Stepp of Vevay, IN, Morgan Gillespie and her husband, Keith of Farmington, NM and Kacie Harris and her husband, Alex of Vevay, IN; his grandchildren, Freya, Felicity, Skylor, Camron, Chevy, Shyla, Bruin, Brylan, Logan, Erik Jr., Levi, Lydia, Bryce, Logan, Mya and Kinsley; his brother, Thomas “Tommy” Ossman and his wife, Gayle of Klingerstown, PA; his nephew, Zachary Ossman and his wife, Lauren; his niece, Amy Ossman and his special friends, Tim Miller, Casey Jones and his wife, Mary Ann, Leslie Jones and his wife, Missy, Scott Cecco and Frankie Sigmon.
He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Arthur Ossman, died December 2, 1991; his mother, Joanne Louise (Morris) Ossman, died January 1, 2008; his grandson, Jayden Chase Rosales-Stepp, died December 27, 2011 and his sister, Grace M. Ossman, died June 10, 2012.
A Memorial Gathering will be held from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Friday, December 15, 2023 at the Haskell & Morrison Funeral Home, 208 Ferry Street, Vevay, Indiana 47043.
A Celebration of Gurney’s Life will be conducted at 1:00 p.m., Friday, December 15, 2023, by Pastor G.B. Turner, at the Haskell & Morrison Funeral Home, 208 Ferry Street, Vevay, Indiana 47043.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Switzerland County Animal Shelter or Autism Speaks Foundation. Cards are available at the funeral home or online at www.haskellandmorrison.com