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BORN
1957
DIED
2020
FUNERAL HOME
Kevin O'Brien Obituary
1957-2020
Kevin Michael O'Brien, age 63, died peacefully in his hometown of Spring, Texas on July 2, 2020.
He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Elizabeth Pearce O'Brien, and his parents James George and Jane Drissell O'Brien. He is survived by his daughter, Deidra, son-in-law Logan Cooke, and his granddaughter Nora (to which he was affectionately referred to as Pop Pop), siblings James Dennis O'Brien, Patricia Ann Walter and Sean Patrick O'Brien, godson Brian Walter and goddaughter Megan O'Brien, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Kevin is a Retired US Army Chief Warrant Officer 4, he served as an instructor pilot in the 273rd Medical Detachment and served as a combat medevac pilot in Desert Storm. He flew numerous missions in support of ground forces throughout the Combat Theater of Operations. Attesting to his ability to barter, Kevin also served as a Procurement Officer in Saudi Arabia supplying his unit with much needed items, enhancing unit morale and combat effectiveness. For his service, he earned the Army Master Aviator Badge, Army Expert Marksmanship Badge, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with Valor, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with 3 bronze service stars, Humanitarian Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon with Numeral 2, Government of Saudi Arabia Kuwait liberation Medal, and Government of Kuwait Liberation Medal.
Kevin completed his second career of protecting our nation as a member of the Houston Police Department as a Retired Sergeant serving for the past 37 years. In 1982 he was Academy Class #109 and began his career by running the clinic at the Houston jail, where he was affectionally known as "Doc". Later he was assigned to the Central, Eastside, and South Central Divisions to patrol, and advanced to the title of Sergeant for the remainder of his career. He gained the respect and friendship of hundreds of his fellow officers.
Kevin also supported numerous veterans' groups and causes throughout his life. He was a member of the VFW Post 6010, serving as the Service Officer and 1-year Trustee, a member of the Houston HOU Hangar of the Quiet Birdmen, and an active member in St. Edward's Catholic Church as a sought-after lector and Eucharistic Minister. He had many loves in life but his most favorite way to spend his time was with his granddaughter Nora. The opportunities he gave her to spend time with family (no matter the distance) were priceless.
Kevin was known to those closest to him as a real-life Captain America, he was greatly loved and will be missed by many. Our family is at peace knowing he is back in the loving arms of his wife Beth.
Klein Funeral Home located at 16131 Champion Forest Dr, Spring, TX 77379, will host visitation services on Sunday, July 12, 2020 4pm - 8pm, with a short prayer service at 7pm. Funeral services will be held at St. Edwards Catholic Church located at 2601 Spring Stuebner Rd, Spring, TX 77389, on Monday, July 13, 2020 at 10am, followed by a military funeral, when Kevin's family will inter him in at Houston National Cemetery located at 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77038.
If you would like to view the funeral service online, please visit Klein Funeral Home's website at https://www.kleinfh.com/obituary/kevin-obrien.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations to The 100 Club or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kevin O'Brien
Sponsored by Klein Funeral Home - Champions.
Tracy Vinson
November 22, 2024
O'Brien was my evaluator when I was a probationary police officer and if I tell you he was a good guy, he was a good guy. O'Brien, you are really missed.
Nikki Temple
July 19, 2022
This is the man who showed up and saved me back in 1997! RIP Sir. Thank you for your service in Houston. Your words and presence were very wise and heartfelt. Nikki Temple
Gloria Maser
July 28, 2020
I am shocked and saddened to just learn of Kevin's passing. What a loss to the world. He has been a friend of mine for more than 35 years. It is difficult to think that he is no longer with us here on earth. I am so sorry for his family and all of his many friends. I know you have gone peacefully Kevin but I am so sad that you have left us.
Patrick Gude
July 14, 2020
I have known Kevin for thirty-eight years and can say without hesitation, he was a close friend that I always considered family. Kevin and I got introduced in Oklahoma City at the Federal Aviation Administration's Air Traffic Control training center in 1982. We met during the orientation briefing on our first day at the academy and immediately connected. In fact, we felt so good about each other, within minutes after our initial introduction, we decide to become roommates during our tenure at the FAA academy. This was the start of a long and rewarding friendship, which lasted well over three decades.
About halfway through the training program, Kevin made a difficult decision to withdraw from training and resign from the FAA. He was not comfortable with the lack of interpersonal contact associated with a career in Air Traffic Control and opted to head back to Houston, and explore other options. It made perfect sense to me that he would end up choosing law enforcement, because of his need to interact with others and his overwhelming desire to help people.
Kevin had a calming affect on me and there were many occasions, he would help me deal with my PTSD, which I incurred during the Vietnam War. I was quite distressed to learn that he would be leaving the academy. The Air Traffic Control training program was extremely stressful and on many occasions, Kevin was able to help me channel my anxiety into positive energy. There were many phone calls to Houston after his departure and with his help I successfully made it through the program.
After graduating from the academy, I was assigned to continue my training at the Air Route Traffic Control Center in Houston. Once again, Kevin stepped up and made what could have been a difficult transition to a new and unfamiliar city, and turned it into a seamlessly smooth experience, by opening his home to me for my first two months in Houston. This gave me ample time to get comfortable in my new job, while trying to find a place to live. For those of you reading this, are you seeing a trend here? Not only did Kevin and Beth his beautiful wife, let me move in with them, they refused any rent money. If I had not been persistent, they would have subsidized all my needs. Seriously, who does that!!!!!!
This is just one of many positive experiences that I had with the O'Brien's over the course of thirty-eight years, and I have enough material to write a book, but this is a platform for me to express the positive impact he had on my life, so I will not continue to expound on what I'm sure is a constant theme for all of those who knew him.
We became so close over the years, and I was honored, when they asked if I would be the Godfather of their precious angle Deidra. It was Deidra that shared the news of her father's passing. On Wednesday July 8th, I had knee replacement surgery. I was discharged on the following Friday and when we got home, I thought who better to call then Kevin, which would surely help quell some of the anxiety I was having regarding my recovery, since he had recently gone through the same procedure.
On my initial call I got his voicemail, but did not leave a message, because I knew he would see the caller ID and return my call as soon as possible. Within seconds after my call my phone rang and a quick glance at the screen revealed the same area code 832. I answered as always, "Hey buddy what's up." The voice on the other end was not Kevin. It was Deidra and she shred the heart breaking news with me. I cannot describe the flood of emotions that I experienced when I processed what she had told me. My first thought were for Deidra and Nora. There are no words that you can say to express the sorrow and disrepair that they must be feeling at that very moment. After we hung up my wife Lena could see that I was in distress and did not look well. She asked what was wrong and when I shared the sad news with Lena and our son Vince, we cried for what seemed like an eternity. In our family we had a special way of referring to Kevin, and Lena looked at me with tears in her eyes and said, "The Gentle Giant is gone forever and we will never see him again."
To all his family and friends we send our deepest regrets and love and will pray for all of you during this difficult time.
LOVE,
Pat, Lena and Vince xxxooo
Hebah Alghanim
July 13, 2020
A true gift to all, and forever my friend.
Andy Doerfler
July 13, 2020
Kevin's wife, Beth, worked for me in the 80s as my awesome dental assistant before going to nursing school. So I have known Kevin for almost 40 years. Kevin was kind, considerate, and respectful. My staff loved him when he would visit our office. Kevin was a gentle giant and will be missed. May you rest in peace sir.
Paul Ogden
July 13, 2020
I had the pleasure of working with Kevin when he came to Eastside for training after his promotion to sergeant. His life was dedicated to the service of others and he did so with great integrity and passion. I was honored to know and work with him.
The first time I saw him was when he served as the "jail doctor." That was a position that we had needed for a long time and he performed that task very well. After he got promoted, we laughed about the time, as the "jail doctor," when he ordered my partner and I to take a prisoner we had transported downtown to the trusty dorm and have him take a shower before examining him, because he was so much in need of one.
Of course, he made the right call on that situation. The man, actually, wanted to be arrested to get some much needed help and Kevin saw that he got it.
In addition to his stellar service with HPD, he served in the Army as a medic and then became a Medevac pilot. Our department and our country is a much better place, because of Kevin's service to his fellow man.
My condolences and prayers to his family for such a great loss.
Kurt Mathews
July 13, 2020
A man of integrity, duty, and service - in a world that is in short supply of such people. I am honored to have been a friend of yours, with many fond memories of our daughters growing up together. Rest in peace my friend, you will be missed.
Bellotto
July 13, 2020
Kevin- We are a better nation, city and family for you dedication to being a great model of serving others. Your guidance is instilled in us and lasting as we continue our mission here on earth. You are part of us and we are thankful for the lessons you provided. Thoughts and prayers to you/family!
Tracy Watson
July 13, 2020
I am truly sorry for your loss. Every time I saw O'Brien, he was always smiling. He will truly be missed. He was a gently giant.
Edna Neal
July 13, 2020
Rest well my Classmate. Class 109, Proud and Fine the thin Blue Line. A giant of a man. God Speed Brother! Well see you on the other side.
MaryAnn Kindred
July 12, 2020
My heart is broken. My thoughts and prayers are for comfort and peace to all the O'BRIEN family, esp. Deidra, Logan and Nora. We love you.
Bill and Nancy Taylor
July 11, 2020
We only met Kevin a few times, but know that he was part of a wonderful family. So sorry to learn of his passing too soon. Our condolences to all the family, especially Kevin's brother Jim and his wife, Gretchen, our good friends. We pray for the repose of Kevin's soul.
Pam Curtiss Gray
July 10, 2020
I remember Kevin from back in the days working jail division on night shift. He was always a professional and a pleasure to work with. A nice person and well liked by everyone. Rest in peace Kevin.
JOHN HURT
July 10, 2020
My name is John hurt I worked with Kevin for several years at Eastside I retired in 2019 Kevin was a man of honor integrity and everything you would like in a policeman he will be missed may God bless him in heaven may God bless his family back here on Earth
Christopher Kindred
July 9, 2020
Rest easy, "cuz." Your life on earth was dedicated to service of nation, community and family. You are gone too soon, but your time on earth earned you an eternal reward in heaven. God bless you and your family.
Sending our love and prayers.
Eileen Brotzman
July 9, 2020
May you rest in peace, cuz. Diedra, Logan and Nora you are in my prayers.
Margie Markus
July 9, 2020
Kevin my heart is broken and has been since hearing of your passing. I am blessed though to call you family and I will forever cherish the wonderful memories of family reunions, basketball games in your garage, wiffle ball games where our goal was to get the ball over the garages and so, so many lifelong treasured moments. Your void will never be filled cuz.
Deidra, Nora and Logan, call on him to give you the strength to carry on and may you always feel his presence in your everyday new normal.
Love you all.
Margie
Kelly Giacalone
July 9, 2020
We absolutely loved you, Cuz. Keeping all of you in our grieving hearts ♥
Sean O'Brien
July 9, 2020
Bro - you were bigger than life, and you inspired me in many ways. Life wasn't always kind to you, and yet you embraced each day with hopeful conviction, and never lost sight of the best that life could give. Family remained the cornerstone of your mission in life, and the love you showed all of us was something I will cherish forever. I'll miss our late night talks when we'd catch each other up on Facebook. And I hate to think that I will need to sub in for you on the basketball court against Jimmy now! I truly hope that once you let your eyes adjust to the light, you saw the outstretched hands of Beth, waiting for you, with Mom and Dad smiling right behind her. Enjoy your heavenly rewards, bro. They were certainly earned, and until we meet again, know how much Julie and I, along with PJ, Caitlin and your goddaughter, Megan love you, and will truly miss you!
Adrian Wagner
July 9, 2020
My condolences, Kevin was my nightshift trainer 20 years ago and a great friend for 20 years. He will be truly missed.
Don Harford
July 9, 2020
Kevin was an academy class mate of mine. People always remembered him, whether it was for bringing a medevac helicopter to the academy or just his height and bright red hair. Going to miss you Kevin.
Fernando 'Vee" Villasana
July 9, 2020
I knew Kevin as a young Rookie @ Central Patrol in the early 80's, in what was then 16 District in 3rd Ward... He was a Great young Officer eager to work, learn and serve the community. I last saw him at the Union office prior to his retirement and was in Great spirits. May God lessen his load and grant him peace for his military and police service. Signed a HPD Narcotics / 38 year Veteran
Gerardo Rodriguez
July 9, 2020
So sad So young, So sorry to hear of his passing.
Katie Reiser
July 9, 2020
We were shocked and saddened to hear the news of Kevin's passing. He was a good man and I am grateful for having the opportunity to work with him at Eastside. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Sgt. R. Parnell
July 8, 2020
I worked at HPD Eastside Division as a Patrol Sgt. with Kevin for about nine years. Kevin became a good friend and I would call him my work husband and he would call me his work wife as a joke. Kevin always had a good story to tell and always made me laugh. Kevin loved his daughter Diedre and granddaughter Nora deeply and would often talk about them at work. Kevin will be surely missed!! I send my condolences and prayers to his family.
Steve Benavides
July 8, 2020
Kevin was a Great Man in many ways. When he joined The Houston Police VFW Post 6010 he asked me what he could do to help. As Post Commander I always needed help In Community Service programs. Kevin was always there to help in anyway. Will miss you my friend. RIP.
JE Garza
July 8, 2020
I worked with SGT O'Brien for many years and he was always a great cop, a great supervisor but above all a great human being. SGT O'Brien displayed his wisdom, sharing his experience with me and other junior officers always with respect and patience. I have a lot of admiration for SGT O'Brien who served our country in combat as an ARMY helicopter pilot and then served in our hometown for almost 4 decades. SGT O'Brien lived to serve our country with honor and the citizens of our community with respect and dignity. SGT O'Brien, you will be greatly missed. Thank you for everything you taught me Sarge.
Ray Hunt
July 8, 2020
Always enjoyed visiting with Kevin each time he stopped by the HPOU. He will be missed.
Marybeth Luzzetti
July 4, 2020
I went to high school with Kevin. Always the nicest person in the room. My thoughts and prayers for his family.... MaryBeth Luzzetti
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Memorial Events
for Kevin O'Brien
Jul
12
Visitation
4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Klein Funeral Home - Champions16131 Champion Forest Dr., Klein, TX 77379
Jul
12
Jul
13
Funeral service
10:00 a.m.
St. Edwards Catholic Church
2601 Spring Stuebner Rd, Spring, TX
Funeral services provided by:
Klein Funeral Home - Champions16131 Champion Forest Dr., Klein, TX 77379
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