Richard O'Brien

Richard O'Brien was a modest man and observant in his ways. He was trustworthy and traditional in his approach to life and in his relationships. He was tough-minded with the kind of "stick to it" attitude that earned the respect of all who knew him. He was also a man who was meticulous, carefully disciplined, and orderly in virtually everything he undertook. Realistic about life, he was always ready and prepared to take on responsibility. He was the son of Franklin and Ida McKinley O'Brien. Richard was raised with 3 siblings. He had 2 brother, Dennis and James, and one sister, Nancy. Richard was usually involved in all sorts of activities with his siblings. They experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, and they shared many life experiences over the years. Richard enjoyed his college years. He attended The University of Texas at Arlington, Texas for 2 years. He then earned his Bachelor of Science Degree at Flordia State University in Tallehassee. Richard was married to Earlene (Pavlicek) O'Brien, in 1960, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Praha. Richard enjoyed what he did for a living, which involved being a fats and oils expert. Showing a strong work ethic, he worked diligently and successful in his career. His primary occupation was Quality Control in the food industry. Richard always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done. Richard was an Army veteran. His fellow soldiers viewed him as a part of their family as their loved ones back home. Throughout his life, Richard was a doer and was always actively involved in professional and community organizations. Throughout the years, Richard was an active member of the American Oil Chemist Society, American Society of Baking, Intsitute of Food Technologist,American Association of Cereal Foods, Texas Farm Bureau, American Association of Retired Persons and the Craftsman Club. Richard's faith was important to him and was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Praha. Simply stated, Richard was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Richard leaves behind him life-long friendships and many cherished memories. He will be lovingly remembered by family and friends. Richard is preceded in death by his parents and brother, James O'Brien. He is survived by his wife, Earlene, sister Visitation will be held on December 9, 2010 at Smith Funeral Home in Flatonia, beginning at 9 am. A Rosary will be recited at 7 pm on December 9 at Smith Funeral Home. Services will be on December 10, 2010 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Praha at 10 am, with Father John Bily and Father Gabriel Maison officiating. Interment will be at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Praha.
Visitation Thursday, December 09, 2010

Rosary Thursday, December 09, 2010

Funeral Service Friday, December 10, 2010

Interment Friday, December 10, 2010