Benjamin Shelton O'Brien

Benjamin Shelton O'Brien, 77, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Sunday, August 3rd, 2025. Born on September 13th, 1947, in Chardon, Ohio. A veteran of the Vietnam War, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1966 and served until 1972, during which he completed two tours of duty, both as a Vehicle Operator and helicopter Crew Chief. Returning home to Ohio in 1972, he was raised into the Three Rivers Masonic Lodge #799 in Warsaw, Ohio, by his father.

Moving to Knoxville, TN, he completed a Bachelor's in Criminal Justice and served as a Knox County Sheriff's deputy, where he worked as a detective in Organized Crime. Wounded in the line of duty, he left to work as a Service Manager for Orkin for 15 years and then as a Maintenance Manager for an Ormond retirement community until his retirement in 2009. His hobbies included collecting coins and watches. In his words, everyone's junk was his treasure. He especially loved his pets, Abby and Buddy.

He is survived by his Wife, Dawna; children, Benjamin, Shawnte, Tina, Andrea, and Angela; grandchildren, Schuyler, Makinnon, Kaiden, and Madison; and great-grandchildren, Aryana and Sawyer. Several beloved aunts also survive him.