Robert James O'Brien

1937 - 2024

Robert (Bob) James O'Brien

July 4, 1937 - March 8, 2024

Wichita, Kansas - The service honoring the life of Robert (Bob) James O'Brien will be held Friday, March 15, 10:00 am at Reeds Cove Health & Rehabilitation, 2114 N. 127th Ct E., Wichita, KS, with Pastor Lyle Buller officiating.

Robert "Bob" James O'Brien was born July 04, 1937, in Oklahoma City, OK, to Leslie and Bertha O'Brien, and passed from this life on March 08, 2024, in Wichita, KS. Bob always joked he was at least 40 years old before realizing everyone was not celebrating his birthday on the 4th of July.

Bob grew up in the OKC and Enid, OK area and was a proud graduate of Enid High School. Shortly after graduation, he married his High School sweetheart, Leatha Tate on August 02, 1959. Bob & Leatha wasted little time as they both obtained BS degrees from Phillips University, Enid, OK. Bob continued his education obtaining a Masters of Hospital Administration degree at Washington University, St. Louis, MO.

Shortly after the birth of their only child, Michael in 1963, Bob began his long, tenured career in health care at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita, KS. Bob achieved the rank of Executive VP/COO and left Wesley in 1986 to take a similar position at St. Joseph Health Corporation, Wichita, KS. Every day, Bob was the first to arrive at the hospital and the last to leave, and was known to stroll the halls early, late, and often to visit with staff and patients to ensure everything met his expectations and everything was in order and running smoothly. After his retirement in 1995, he continued to work for many years as a Health Care Consultant.

Bob's work ethic and perseverance to achieve organizational & individual goals was unmatched. Bob led by example and served as a model for his employees, his peers, and the entire Wichita community as he devoted his entire career and personal interest to helping others regardless of the cost or sacrifice. He instilled the values of good character, humility, and hard work to his family, friends, and co-workers. Everyone who knew Bob, recognized his tenacity to make things happen and get the job done right. He was not one to take the easy road, but instead tackled seemingly impossible task head on with a strength of will and purpose that few could match. During his career in healthcare, he earned a reputation as a respected leader and spokesperson in national and state organizations such as the American College of Healthcare Executives, American Hospital Association, KS Hospital Association, and Hospital Council of Metropolitan Wichita.

Bob considered Wichita the Best Place in the USA. He worked tirelessly to improve his community and make Wichita an even better place to live. This is evident in his countless hours serving as Chairman or Member of: Kansas American Red Cross, United Way of the Plains, Valley Hope Association, Regional Prevention Center, Kansas Region of Christians & Jews, Health Planning Council of South Central Kansas, Health Systems Agency of Southeast Kansas, Hospice of Wichita, Self Help Network of Kansas, Wichita's Promise – Alliance for Youth, East Rotary Club, Adjunct Professor for Wichita State University & Kansas University, and member of St. Albans Episcopal Church.

Yes, Bob was considered by many to be a gifted leader in the health care industry and a very giving civic leader, but his greatest passion was just being a good friend. If Bob was your friend, you had a friend for life who would help you in any way possible regardless of the circumstance. Bob enjoyed spending time with his friends at any sporting event. He was a big KU & KSU fan, but his pride and joy were the Wichita State Shockers. You could find him cheering on his beloved Shockers whenever they played. He would travel out of state with the team often and even to Hawaii to root on the Shockers. He was even known to "politely holler" at the referees from time to time. A secret to all except his closet friends, Bob never strayed from his Oklahoma roots, as he was an avid OU & OSU fan as well.

Bob loved life and enjoyed having a good time. In his younger years he was an accomplished bowler. Bob also enjoyed keeping his car, his home and his yard in top notch condition and would work hours on any outdoor project. He loved to travel and see new sights but could not wait to get back to his hometown of Wichita.

Dad had a long life, an accomplished life, and certainly an interesting life. In his final years, he admitted he had some regrets, as most of us do, but stated he had lived a great and rewarding life full of opportunities to help many people as he shared his greatest accomplishment –and that was asking Jesus Christ into his heart as his personal Lord & Savior and knowing he was able to finish the race by the Grace of Jesus.

So, Dad, while we will miss you very much, we celebrate your life and your passing knowing you are dancing with Jesus, and we will see you soon enough.

Bob is survived by his wife of 22 years, Joni O'Brien, Wichita, KS, Son, Mike (Dawn) O'Brien, Enid, OK, Grandson, Christopher O'Brien, Plano, TX, Granddaughter, Lauren O'Brien, Enid, OK, Greatgrandchildren, Gentry O'Brien & Jensen O'Brien.