Dennis H. O'Brien

Dennis H. O'Brien August 15, 1917 - August 31, 2010 Dennis H. O'Brien began his journey to the Great Beyond to join his beloved wife, Gladys, and his son, Dennis Harold, on August 31, 2010. Memorial services will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 4, at Oakwood Cemetery. Dennis was a native Wacoan born August 15, 1917, in Waco, to Pat and Addie O'Brien. Dennis and Gladys became sweethearts while attending West Junior High School and were married 71 years, before her death in December, 2008. He was a lovable, sentimental Irishman who served 4 years in the U.S. Navy in WWII. He was on one of the first ships to enter Tokyo Bay after the Japanese surrender. His ship's duty was to see that the bay was not mined to destroy US ships. Upon discharge from the Navy, he returned to Waco and after working for the H.C. Durham Metalworks, he began a 30 year career as a rural mail carrier, where he drove almost 3, 000, 000 accident free miles before taking an early retirement. After retirement, Dennis and Gladys did extensive traveling to visit their son, a professor at West Virginia University, and to Europe each summer with their son. He attended The Temple of God's Center. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Billy a Navy Commander; his wife; and his son. He is survived by a number of cousins, nieces and nephews, as well as neighbors and good friends. Special thanks go to Dr. Bond Browder, Southern Care Hospice, Joe Ann Quigley, Robert Davis, S.L. Roddy, Jr., Horace Quigley, Jr., and the other caregivers of Joe Ann's group. Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com.