Rulon's father, George, emigrated from England and became an early leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Doctors warned the couple that future children had a higher chance of having a hearing loss, but George and Olive wanted a large family.

[1] Osmond worked in real estate, insurance, and as postmaster for Ogden, as well as operating a homestead dairy farm with his brothers Rulon Jr. and Ralph.

[2] He loved to sing and taught his sons barbershop harmony, eventually forming Alan, Wayne, Merrill, and Jay into a quartet.

The boys' natural talent soon received public notice, which led to frequent appearances at church functions and local civil events.

Affectionately known to the family's fans as "Father Osmond", he is buried at the East Lawn Memorial Hills Cemetery in Provo beside Olive.