of Osceola, AR

January 5, 1935 - August 6, 2013

On Tuesday August 6, 2013 our community lost one of the brightest lights that kept the world lit and guided all of our paths. John O'Brien, loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Brother, Uncle, Friend and Faith Leader went home to shine his light from a higher place, next to the side of the maker he so wonderfully served. John devoted his life in humble service to his family, his country, his community and his faith. No life touched more lives, influenced more directions or saved more futures than the life-long example John provided throughout his life's work.

John was faithfully and lovingly married to the love of his life, Lou O'Brien for 58 years. No marriage reflected the example of life-long commitment more than the love shared by John and Lou. He was a dedicated, faithful and loving husband who always put others above himself. He was the model Father to his two children, Mike O'Brien and Kim Atkinson. A Father who always set the example of caring about others, raising your children to be all that they can be, being humble and loving and serving all those around you to the best of your ability. He was the model Grandfather to his six Grandchildren who respected him so much that they all strive to live up to the example that he continuously set for them. He was a loving Great Grandfather to his 17 Great Grandchildren who loved him beyond all words could express. The loss of this great family man has created a hole in the heart of the family that will not easily be filled.

John willingly served his country for 23 and a half years as an Officer in the United States Navy. He retired as a Lt. Cdr after serving with honor and great sacrifice during the times of greatest peril to our country. He served two tours in Vietnam at great risk to his own life to protect his family, his country and his friends. That is who he was, a man willing to sacrifice all for others, especially those he loved.

John served as a pillar of the community always commiting to give of his time in service to his church and the community. John was a committed member of the First Baptist Church of Osceola where he served faithfully for 38 years as a deacon and leader of faith. His service in the church as a deacon was honored by him being made a Deacon for Life. He led in his faith as he led in his life, in service to others and to God our father who he so greatly loved. John gave to the community in every way possible. He lovingly managed the Interfaith Neighbors as the Director and Board Member for 15 years. His commitment and work at the Interfaith Neighbors provided valuable goods and services to those in need. It is just one of so many types of service that John provided to community. The respect and gratitude he earned through his loving service and sacifice has been reflected in the outpouring of sympathy, love and support being offered to the family by its members after his passing.

The loss that the passing of John has brought to his family, the community and the world cannot be measured in words, but will be so greatly felt in the hearts of every life he has touched. The world was a better place because John O'Brien was in it and he leaves it in a better place because he was a part of it. The hole in our hearts cannot easily be mended, but we can celebrate the great man we have lost and the life he lived. He would want our tears of loss to be turned into smiles of understanding that he is with those who have gone on before him and is preparing a place for us all to join him. He leaves us with a wish that we all strive to lead better lives, serve each other, serve our communities and serve the Lord.

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