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George Obourn Obituary

CREVE COEUR - Army Spc. George R. Obourn Jr., 20, of Naperville, formerly of Creve Coeur, died Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2006, in Taji, Iraq.

He was born Feb. 25, 1986, in Peoria, Ill., to George R. Sr. and Debrann E. Walters Obourn.

George is survived by his parents, George Sr. and Debrann Obourn of Naperville; two brothers, David (Marla) Obourn of Spring Bay and Rodney Obourn of Creve Coeur; one sister, Leanne Obourn of Des Moines, Iowa; paternal grandfather, Rodney G. (Sharon) Obourn of Peoria; and his maternal grandfather, David (Stella) Walters of Creve Coeur.

George was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Rosemary Walters; paternal grandmother, Irma Obourn; one aunt, Bethan Walters; and one uncle, David E. Walters.

George was a member of the Chess Club and Band at Parkview Junior High in Creve Coeur. He was a 2004 graduate of East Peoria Community High School, where he played the trumpet in the Marching Band and Concert Band.

George studied martial arts and enjoyed paint balling, computer gaming and playing chess.

Visitation for George will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13, 2006, at Deiters Funeral Home in East Peoria. His funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, 2006, at Deiters Funeral Home in East Peoria. Pastor Gary Olson will officiate. Burial will be at Lakeview Cemetery in Pekin, where full military honors will be accorded.

A patriotic tribute will be provided by the Patriot Guard.

Memorials may be made to the East Peoria Community High School Band or to the George R. Obourn Jr. Memorial Fund.

To express online condolences, please visit www.deitersfuneralhome.com.


To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Peoria Journal Star on Oct. 12, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for George Obourn

Not sure what to say?





Jb

October 5, 2015

His kind heart and brave sacrifice will be remembered.

May 13, 2013

I am sorry to read about the loss of George and his friend. I will always be grateful to him for his service and sacrifice for this Country.

Charlie Gili

April 13, 2013

Hello,
We would like to express our deepest condolences and also let the Obourn Family know that we recently sent Care Packages to American troops in the war zones. Each box carried a dedication sheet that includes the name, service information and a photo of your loved one. We recognize that this is a humble tribute, but we wanted you to know that it is heartfelt and made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals in the youth hockey community and beyond. We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of the US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign

Joshua Witt

May 9, 2012

I will always miss my two childhood friends and brothers, miss you jr and kris. I will never forget the good time and the bad but either way i will always shed a tear for my brothers green, now I tip this glass twice a year for my brothers I will join in the end.

Peggy Childers

October 4, 2011

To the family and friends of Spc. George R. Obourn:
Please accept my remembrance of George on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.

August 1, 2011

To let you know that you are not forgotten. Rest in peace- you are missed.

Peggy Childers

October 4, 2010

To the family and friends of Spc. George R. Obourn:
Remembering George on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Kenna Larra

March 12, 2009

We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,450 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com. If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely,
Kenna

In Memory of George ~ (Debra Estep)

October 10, 2008

Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.


The Wind on The Downs

“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”

(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )

Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….

“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”


I did not know George, but I am remembering
his service. He is my hero. !

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Other Side

i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.

can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.

i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side

the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)

“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008


The Other Side –
(To hear the song)
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol



Sincerely,

Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom SSgt Vince – Lackland AFB
Proud Air Force MIL SrA Dana – Randolph AFB

Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55

Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b

Peggy Childers

October 1, 2008

To the family of Spc. George R. Obourn:
George gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

June 8, 2008

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Spc Obourn!

best friends forever

February 21, 2008

lisa shutt

February 21, 2008

we all miss you with every passing day, but know that you are in a happier place watching down on the people you love and care for...i will always remember our walks and how much you cared about other people..thank you for everything...i miss you
and to junior's parents, thank you for raising such a great son.

August 6, 2007

I don't pretend to know what to say or do that would bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.

Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.

I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON (KIA on 07/06/07) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.

REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!

PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)

August 1, 2007

Thank you for the sacrifice made by Spc Obourn and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!

Jack Paluch

June 2, 2007

To Spc George R Obourn Jr family
I am sincerely sorry for the loss of George Obourn. Know this that many of us in this country mourn the loss of George and his fellow soliders. We shall never forget the sacrifice that he and his family endure for our Freedom. May God comfort you all. On June 16 2007 George's name will be dedicated to the Middle East Conflicts Wall in Marseilles IL. We invite you to attend the ceremony if you can.
Jack Paluch IMFR

ROBYN GARSIDE

March 14, 2007

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. I HAVE JUST LEARNED OF YOUR GREAT LOSS AND WISH TO EXPRESS MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES. PLEASE KNOW THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT HERE WHO DO CARE AND YOUR HERO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR TREASURED MEMORIES THAT HIS SPECIAL SMILE MAY CONTINUE TO SHINE ON. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. GODSPEED AND SEMPER FI.

A PROUD MARINE MOM

Glen

February 1, 2007

“Soldier”
To Honor the Service of Our Fallen Soldiers

Soldiers write history, we pay the price
Many miles distant, you live the life
Entered the Battle of our own free will
Out of Duty for Country, and we’d do it still

We hope and pray that all will find peace
In God, in the flag, in memories of valor
Gone now, our pride and courage you see
“An Army of One” our motto forever

Willing to risk all for love of our Brothers
We’re still Your Soldiers…and we showed the way
Our Lives too short, now pray for the others
Lived free died Heroes in lands far away

Deep within souls all cherished our Service
We’ll always have what some never know
Courage and Honor, our names forever
Lived life with purpose…just our time to go

We march in the Heavens with Honor and Glory
Missions accomplished we fought the Good Fight
Many years from now…we’ll tell the full story
Until that Day we will live in the Light

Our lives we laid down in a land far away
Still watching o’er you this night and by day
No need to talk…just know we are with you
There in your hearts and we hear what you pray

Yes we are your soldiers
Our lives we laid down
Still We guard o’er you
Still Duty bound

Entered the Battle of our own free will
Out of Duty for Country, and we’d do it still
We’ll always have what some never know
Lived life with purpose…it was our time to go

Don Cooley

December 25, 2006

To the family and friends of Spc. George R. Obourn: The pain of your loss will take a long time to subside, and days like today will be especially hard. No one can change that for you, but please be aware that millions of Americans you will never know read George 's story, respect him as a true American hero, and share your grief.

Shawnee (Austin, TX)

November 4, 2006

Thank you for serving your country. You are truly an American hero, and will not be forgotten.

October 21, 2006

Psalm 34:18 reads: "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and gives strength to those who are crushed in spirit." Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers as you mourn the loss of your son and our American hero. Our freedoms are protected by soldiers such as your son who sacrificed his life. May God comfort you and give you strength for the days ahead.
Sincerely,
Jimmy & Dena Lloyd
Parents of SSG Michael C. Lloyd
(KIA 8-12-06 Operation Iraqi Freedom, 4th ID, Ft. Hood)

Tom Healey

October 19, 2006

To the family of Spc. George R. Orbourn.
My cousin SSG Christopher Moudry served and made the ultimate sacrifiace Spc. Orbourn. I would like to express my deepest sympathy to your family during this time.

Rose Sally

October 15, 2006

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2006

Rose Sally

October 15, 2006

to the family of George Obourn Jr,
My heart goes out to yous for losing your son. I went to school with him. He was really nice. I'm so sorry for your loss. Nothing will ever replace the ones you love. God is the only one the can help yous find the strenght to get pass this. God Bless George Obourn Jr. and his family. I will pray fopr yous.

Lee Sirotnak

October 13, 2006

Please accept our condolences for the loss of your loved one, George, and our prayers that you find peace and consolation in God’s grace. We are indebted to your Soldier for his great sacrifice and we will not forget.

Jenée Moench

October 13, 2006

My hearfelt sympathy to the parents, family members and friends. I did not know George but am so very grateful for the work he did to assure our freedoms we sometimes take lightly. I have experienced the loss of a soldier nephew in Iraq. Only the soldiers know how important their job. My deepest deepest sympathy is sent to you on your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with the family and friends. Thank you George for your great HEROISM! May God Bless you All

Tom Gugliuzza-Smith

October 13, 2006

My heartfelt sympathy to the Obourn family in the loss of George. I did not know George, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. George you are my hero and you will NEVER be forgotten.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom

To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~

Kim & Doug Green

October 13, 2006

To the family of Army Spc. George R. Obourn Jr:

Our hearts go out to you as no words can express the depth of your loss. What an honorable and beautiful young man.

Parents of two Marines

Tim Drendel

October 12, 2006

Eternal rest grant unto him Oh Lord,and may perpetual light shine upon him.May his soul,and the souls of all the faithful departed,through the Mercy of God,rest in peace,Amen.
I'm proud of your son George,who gave the ultimate sacriface to defend our freedom.Thank you.
With deepest sympathy.Tim Drendel.

Dawn Claro

October 12, 2006

My deepest and most sincere condolences for your loss. My thoughts and prayers to you all.

Stay Strong

Don Anderson

October 12, 2006

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.

Eileen

October 12, 2006

Your son is in heaven. We thank you for your sacrifice in defense of this great country. God bless your family during this difficult time.

Erica St.Cin

October 12, 2006

Junior,
I've known you since the 5th grade. We were in band, along with Kris from the very begining. I remember haning out with you and your brothers, riding our bikes all over who knows where. It's hard to face the fact that both of you are gone now. I'll miss you so much. So many people from scholl miss you guys too. We'll never forget you!!

To his family-
My heart goes out to you all. I have a few family members in the service, all of which are in Iraq right now. I have been lucky to have not had to go through what you are myself. All I can say is that I don't imagine this is easy, or bearable. But like the gentleman said before me... you now have an angel watching over you. Best wishes.

Erica St.Cin

William Barrett

October 12, 2006

Thank you for your ultimate sacrifice in defense of my freedom.

Josh Baldwin

October 12, 2006

Gone but not forgotten Junior. We are all devastated at the loss but know that you are in a happier place. I'll miss you man

Garnet Jenkins

October 12, 2006

Please know that I am deeply sorry for the loss of Spc. George R. Obourn.
As a parent, who has lost a daughter suddenly,
and as a sister, who has lost a brother to war,
I am aware of the deep and devastating pain that you are experiencing.
The overwhelming heartache, seems to surface through our shock, as the time passes.
Please hang on to your Faith and know that you will get through this.
~Ever so softly and slowly, time does heal.~
May George Rest Safely, in the Loving Care of God
and know that he WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
I pray that God's Comfort and Grace will be with the Obourn family.
I am the sister, of such a Young Hero, who made the Ultimate Sacrifice in Vietnam, many years ago.

Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee.
Psalm 55:22

With each new day, may the Lord restore your soul and, through His love, give you the strength to go on.

October 12, 2006

To the Family of Spc. George R. Obourn:
My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courgeous young soldier who gave their life so selflessly. I wish I never found myself in a position to have to sign another guestbook for the rest of my life. We lost a son (SFC Brent A. Adams) 12/1/05 and it seems like yesterday.
I know first hand there are no words right now that will bring you the comfort and peace you need. Just know that you are not alone. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you all as you mourn this loss. We don't know each other, will probably never meet, but will forever be united in the loss of our Heroes. We have, unfortunately joined a group none of us wanted to join, an ever-growing group of families in this situation. May God grant you peace and strength to get through this and be able once again to smile at a memory rather than have only the tears that flow so easily now. To be so proud of your loved one and so saddened at the same time is a mix of emotions very difficult to deal with. I am sorry that I never knew your soldier personally, but none of these courageous men and women will be forgotten. They will never be able to be replaced, but sometime, someday your loving memories will help to sustain you. This courageous soldier will forever now be your Angel watching over you all for the rest of your lives. It's what brings me some measure of peace and comfort and I hope it will you as well. To his family and friends in pain, I offer this comfort: When you find yourself in that dark sorrowful place, think not only of how you will miss him, but instead recall the years, days, hours and minutes gifted to you by his presence. The one thing that cannot be taken from you is those wonderful memories that now will mean more than ever. If you ever want to talk, I'm only an e:mail away and would love for you to tell me more about your Hero. God Bless this courageous soldier and family and God Bless legacy.com for setting up this site where families can so quickly share their condolences and prayers with others like themselves.
Pam and Bill Adams (Proud parents of SFC Brent Adams, KIA 12/1/05 Ramadi, Iraq)
[email protected]
(Millersville, PA )

Sgt & Mrs LaRoe

October 12, 2006

Our thoughts are prayers are with you, God bless the American soldier!

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