David Thomas O'Reilly

David Thomas O'Reilly was born March 16, 1951 in Chicago, Illinois. While David was still very young, his parents, Tom and Rita O'Reilly, moved their family from Chicago to Odessa, Texas.

David graduated from Permian High School, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Texas of the Permian Basin.

His gentle manner, calm nature, handsome demeanor, and great sense of humor were apparent especially in the years as store manager for Zales Jewelers, and again as the store manager for the opening of Friedman's Jewelers in the mall. His integrity, determination, dependability, and his quick wit served many well while he was a salesman for Compressor Systems, Inc., and notably more so, recently, as a senior drilling fluids engineer with Newpark Drilling Fluids in Midland Texas.

He was a hard worker, and a true family man. In 1986, David married Cathy Steele in a civil ceremony, and in 1987, they were united in holy matrimony. David was blessed with 3 children, Shea, Callye, and Dylan.

David enjoyed life, especially laughter, and being able to put a smile on the face of others, even his hospice nurse, Darlene. His endurance, attitude, strength, and faith during his struggle with cancer were aptly described by his kind physician, Dr. Timothy George, as "admirable." He passed away peacefully at home with his family and close friends on Friday, February 10, 2006.

His family extends an invitation to join them in praising the Lord in thanksgiving for his life. A rosary recitation will be held in the chapel at Frank W. Wilson Funeral Directors on Wednesday, February 15, 2006 at 7 o'clock p.m. Father Mark Woodruff will celebrate a funeral mass at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church 2 o'clock p.m. on Thursday, February 16, 2006.

Cherishing David's life are his wife of nearly 20 years, Cathy, and his children, Shea, Callye and Dylan, along with his only sister, Shannon, brothers, Tom and wife, Michelle, and Tim and wife, Missy. David is survived also by many dear relatives and friends, and by his loving nieces and nephews, including on very special God son.

Honoring the family as pallbearers are David Wood, Tom Griffard, Dwane McQuitty, Jimmy Patterson, Ken Anthony and Shane Simpson.

Please join the family in loving remembrance of David and share with them memories of him during visitation hours; Tuesday, February 14, 2006, 2 p.m.-4:30 p.m., and 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

Donations may be made in David's memory to Home Hospice of Odessa.

And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

I Corinthians 13:13

Services entrusted to Frank W. Wilson Funeral Directors.