Harold Edward O'Brien's Obituary
Harold Edward O’Brien, loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to all, passed away peacefully at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas on Tuesday, June 20, 2023.
Born April 4, 1933, in Port Arthur, Texas, Hal was the beloved son of Clarence and Florence O’Brien. He was the oldest of five children and, by his own account, had a great childhood surrounded by family and lifelong friends.
A gifted athlete, Hal excelled on the field as well as in the classroom. He was both an All-State football player and the highest-ranking boy academically in his graduating class. Although he received football scholarship offers from other universities, he only wanted to play for the Mustangs of SMU. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in January of 1952 and within a few days was on the campus of SMU with a full ride scholarship in hand. SMU was a powerhouse team in the Southwest Conference in the 1950s and Hal was a standout halfback on those storied teams.
While playing football for SMU, Hal was also part of the ROTC, with plans of entering the United States Air Force after school. Upon graduation in January of 1956, he was drafted by the Green Bay Packers of the NFL, but never got to play for them as he was commissioned into the USAF in March of that same year. In a letter Hal received from the Packers, it was noted that they tried to work with the military for a deferment, but Uncle Sam wouldn’t budge.
While at SMU, Hal met his wife, Dorothy Warren O’Brien, and after both graduated, they married in November of 1956 in Dallas. Hal’s career as a F-86 fighter pilot would take them to Greenville, MS, Sherman, TX, and, for Hal, a yearlong deployment to Misawa, Japan. Hal achieved the rank of Captain and was honorably discharged from the USAF Reserves in November of 1969.
Hal was self-employed for many years with the Sam Warren Engine Company and finished his career with the Motor Bearing Company in Dallas. After retiring, Hal and Dorothy enjoyed volunteering and remained very involved with their church, Highland Oaks Church of Christ in Dallas. He also enjoyed following his children’s and grandchildren’s sports and activities and rarely missed a game or event.
Hal was preceded in death by his daughter, Lisa, who was stillborn in 1960, his son-in-law, Todd Davis Miller, and his siblings, Terry O’Brien and Margaret Davis.
Hal is survived by his wife, Dorothy, his children Hal, Jr. (Joan), Sara Woodson, and Heather Ashby (Brent); grandchildren Taylor Woodson (Coral), Blake Woodson (Erin), Tanner Miller (Michelle), Kevin O’Brien, and Will O’Brien; and great-grandchildren Micale Miller, Birdie Miller, and Ellie Woodson. He is also survived by his sister, Karen Hunt (Mike), his brother, Tommy O’Brien, and numerous nieces and nephews who adored him.
A service for Hal will be held at Restland Funeral Home in Dallas on Sunday, July 9, 2023. Visitation begins at 1pm; the Memorial service will be at 2pm with a reception to follow.
In honor of Dorothy and Hal's 60th wedding anniversary in 2016, the Dorothy & Hal O'Brien Scholarship fund was endowed at Highland Oaks Church of Christ to help send kids to camp who otherwise could not afford to go. Memorials in Hal’s honor can be made to Highland Oaks Church of Christ, 9400 Plano Road, Dallas, Texas, 75238. Please note the donation to be directed to the O'Brien Scholarship Fund.
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