Donald J. Obert's Obituary
Donald Joseph Obert, age 80, of Dallas, Texas passed away on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, in Dallas, Texas. He was born in Indianapolis, Indiana to his parents Eugene and Rosemary Obert on April 10, 1944.
As a child, Don’s family moved to Phoenix in 1949, where he eventually enrolled at St Mary’s High School. He cherished his time playing baseball and football, and notably served as the quarterback in the state championship football game. Most importantly, it was at St Mary’s High where Don met his lifelong teammate, Jean Morton, the love of his life and beloved wife of 59 years.
Don and Jean were married on June 12, 1965, in Phoenix, Arizona. They were soon joined by their sons, Michael and Steven Obert. Don was a devoted husband and father, and his family was the cornerstone of his life. Don played an instrumental role in coaching his kids’ sports teams, making a point to attend every one of their games, despite the demands of his career.
Don's work took him, Jean, and the boys from Phoenix to San Francisco and eventually to Dallas in 1976 while working for EDS. Don spent over 11 years at EDS, where he helped pioneer the development of the first off-site ATM in the United States and played a pivotal role in shaping the American Medicare system. Don then went to work for Bank of America and had a distinguished career in the American financial technology sector, spending 28 years at Bank of America and serving as the Chief Technology Officer for the final 8 years. He was also a valued member of the Bush administration post 9-11 serving as a Technological Advisor to the President of the United States. Known for his strong work ethic, Don deeply admired his colleagues with whom he was able to accomplish so much. When reflecting on his career, Don once told his granddaughter, Chloe, that his tombstone should read “here lies two full time employees.”
Don was an avid sports fan to say the least. It was in Dallas where he developed a lasting love for the city's professional sports teams, particularly the Dallas Cowboys. Don and Jean’s Sundays were dedicated to the Cowboys, and the family eagerly awaited Don’s fiery postgame takes on Sunday nights. Thanksgiving gatherings for the Obert family revolved around the Cowboys' games, with Pops bringing numerous loved ones to join in over the years. When not at the stadium, the family operated like a well-oiled machine to ensure Thanksgiving lunch was finished promptly before kickoff. Among his many qualities passed down to younger generations, the love for the Dallas Cowboys remains a strong passion throughout the family, though the grandchildren remain skeptical if they'll witness the same success Pops often spoke of.
Post retirement, Don loved golfing, cooking, enjoying red wines, and most of all spending time with his family and eight grandchildren. Don was a staple at his grandchildren’s many games, matches, meets, recitals, shows and anything in between.
Don is preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Rosemary, and his brother Edward Obert.
Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Jean Obert, two children Mike (Kyla) Obert and Steve (Erica) Obert, his 8 grandchildren, Cy, Chloe, Jaxie, Donald Joseph II, Fendley, Libby, Rook and Mack, as well as his 6 siblings, Jeannette Bordeleau, Rita Borden, Linda Pachuta, Bill Obert, Patti Millard and Richard Obert.
Donald Joseph Obert will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, and Cowboys fan. His stories, wisdom, and the warmth of his company will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His celebration of life service will be held on Friday, July 12, 2024, at 10AM at First United Methodist Church Richardson in Richardson, TX. A short reception will follow.
The service will be live streamed for those that are out of town or cannot make it to the service. The LINK to the service can be found under the "Photos & Video" tab, as well as below to copy-and-paste into your browser.
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