John Anthony O'Brien

John Anthony O’Brien passed away peacefully at age 79 on December 9, 2025. 

John was born in Springfield, Illinois on May 5, 1946, to Bob and Eve O’Brien. At the age of 3, his family moved to Fort Worth, Texas. John was born with Cerebral Palsy and due to this disability, was never able to walk on his own. John was born into a loving family who supported him and, regardless of his disability, always encouraged him to lead a productive and meaningful life. He became the Easter Seals poster boy for the city of Fort Worth. 

John attended special education classes in the Fort Worth public schools until the age of 21. In addition to school, John was very active in the youth programs at St. Andrew Catholic Church and an active member of the Boy Scouts of America troop 97. He was very proud of the fact that he earned numerous merit badges and moved up through the ranks to become a LIFE member. John also was a Ham radio (2-way radio communications) operator and his call sign was appropriately “Big Wheel”. 

In adulthood, despite his physical challenges, John worked for Light House for the Blind where he was making toys and then moved on to work for a local training company which required copying videotapes. John never lost his love for the western cowboy culture and the many relevant television shows and movies. John was known to be a true Irish gentleman and will best be remembered for his beautiful smile, his hearty laugh, his ability to make and keep friends, his generous spirit and his kindness. 

He is survived by Paula Kay O’Brien Fultz (sister) and George Fultz (brother-in-law). He was well loved and he will be missed not only by them but also by the many friends that he has made along the way.

Visitation will begin at 5:00 pm with a Rosary and Eulogies beginning at 6:00 p.m.on Monday, December 15, 2025, at Thompson’s Harveson & Cole Funeral Home, 4350 River Oaks Boulevard, Fort Worth, TX 76114.

Mass of Christian Burial: 10:00 am on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at Saint Andrew Catholic Church, 3312 Dryden Road, Fort Worth, TX 76109.

Interment: Laurel Land Memorial Park.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, Mr. O’Brien’s family suggests friends may honor John’s memory by making contributions to Cook Children’s Health Foundation, 801 7th Avenue, Fort Worth, TX 76104. Online link http://promise.cookchildrens.org/goto/JohnOBrien   These funds will be used to support the Justin Institute at Cook Children’s for Children with Cerebral Palsy.