May 3, 1931 ~ June 27, 2020
Edwin Ralph O'Brien, 89, passed from this life on June 27, 2020, in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Eddie was born on May 3, 1931, at Independence, Kansas. He was the son of Paul Otis and Lois Matilda (Johnson) O'Brien. Eddie grew up and attended school in Coffeyville. Following the completion of his education, Eddie began working on the family farm. In the early 1950s, he was united in marriage to Mildred Pauline Pearce. After their marriage, the couple made their home in Independence, and he worked for the City of Independence. Eddie later met Judith Ann Pope, and they were united in marriage on September 30, 1969. The couple then moved to Booker Texas in 1972, where they remained until 1987. During that time in Texas, Eddie worked in Texas's oil fields for Unit Drilling as a roughneck and sample grabber. They then moved to Ada, Oklahoma, where he worked as a ranch hand before moving to the Mannford area in 2005. In 2012, Eddie and Judy moved to Cleveland following the catastrophic fire that consumed hundreds of homes in Creek and Pawnee County.
Eddie enjoyed his time being outside fishing, gardening, and tending to his rabbits. His favorite food was pizza and a hamburger with double fries. One thing about Eddie was that he never met a stranger and loved telling stories. He is described as "a true servant with a heart that loved helping others." Eddie also had a work ethic that was far above most men.
Survivors include wife Judith of the home, seven children Walter O'Brien and his wife Andrea of California, Sandra Sherman and her husband Roger of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Teresa Engle of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Deanna Ragle and her husband Billy of Cleveland, Oklahoma, Allen McGee of Ada, Oklahoma, Dawn Cano of Weslaco, Texas, Ed O'Brien and his wife Rena of Rowlett, Texas; siblings Jim O'Brien and his wife Pat of Iola, Kansas, Jack O'Brien of Black River, New York, Sharylon Demott and her husband Dean of Coffeyville, Kansas, Georgann Smith and her husband Charles of Cherryvale, Kansas, Larry O'Brien and his wife Florence of Altamont, Kansas, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren as well as a host of other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Eddie was preceded in death by his siblings Leotis Freeman, Pat O'Brien, infant brother Rex O'Brien.
Memorial services will be held at a later date. Chapman-Black Funeral Home will be handling the arrangements. Friends and family may visit an online guest book and memorial page for Eddie at www.chapman-black.com.