Thomas O'Brien

Thomas Trevor O'Brien, 21, earned his Angel Wings Sunday, June 17, 2012 after three years battling cancer. Thomas was born on August 5, 1990 in Houston, Texas and was a lifelong resident of the Houston area. He is survived by his father, Alan O'Brien, his mother Deborah Koenig & stepfather Michael Koenig, his step-sisters, Stephanie Vasquez & husband Joe, Rebecca Koenig. His uncles, Mike O'Brien, Thomas Thomassen & wife Anna B, TJ Thomassen & wife Lisa, John Thomassen & wife Joyce, Russ Koenig. His aunts, JoAnn Ogden & husband Bill, Kathy Harmon & husband David, Karen Crouse & husband James, Britt Figueroa, and JD Dexheimer. His grandmother, Casey Thomassen. He is also survived by many loved cousins and countless friends. He is proceeded in death by his grandparents, Barbara and Trevor O'Brien and grandfather, Terje M. Thomassen.
Thomas attended Mirabeau B. Lamar HS where he was a member of the JROTC. This is where he started his interest in the army. Thomas received a scholarship from the Army ROTC and attended the University of Dubuque in Iowa. He majored in flight operations to become a pilot and minored in military science. After two semesters, Thomas was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin' lymphoma. He withdrew from college in October 2009 after it was apparent the cancer was aggressive. On June 20, 2011, Thomas joined the Harris County Sheriff's office where he began his career in high risk security until having to leave due to his health.
Thomas had an extensive travelled life where he visited Norway, the Bahamas, Italy, Alaska and numerous states. His love for his cars, boat, motorcycle and firearms gave him a zest for life. But his true passion to help others is what was most prevalent by which many family members and friends benefitted. He became a Facebook Angel reaching a goal of 5000 friends. Many who have stated their life has changed by the courage of this young man. He will forever be remembered by people all over the world who were inspired by his tenacity and brave fight until the very end. His journey is complete on earth but will continue in Heaven.
Thomas, you will always be loved and missed by us…
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting to make donations to The Thomas O'Brien Foundation, 3600 Montrose Blvd #302, Houston, Texas 77006.
SERVICES: Memorial Service Friday, June 22, 2012, 5:00 pm to 7:15 pm, Saint Andrews Catholic Church, 827 Sheldon Road Channelview, TX 77015 (281) 452-9865. Reception following at Armenta's next door at 7:30 pm.
Funeral Service Saturday, June 23, 2012 10:00 am Saint Andrews Catholic Church, 827 Sheldon Road Channelview, TX 77015 (281) 452-9865. Burial to follow Funeral Service San Jacinto Funeral Home, 14659 East Freeway. Houston, TX 77015 (713) 453-7114.