David Paul O'Brien

Send Flowers David Paul O'Brien May 12, 1939 - March 7, 2017 David Paul O'Brien, Major USAF ret May 12, 1939 - March 7, 2017 David Paul O'Brien, a scholar and gentleman, passed away on March 7, 2017 in Las Cruces, NM surrounded by his family. He is survived by his loving wife of almost 50 years, Carolyn Shirey O'Brien; daughters Ginny Myrick (Darin) of Phoenix, AZ and Amy O'Brien of Las Cruces, NM; and two grandchildren, Keira and David. He was preceded in death by his parents Paul Frederick and Geraldine Hamilton O'Brien and his sister, Barbara Burns. Dave was born May 12, 1939 in Columbus, Ohio where he grew up. He graduated from St. Charles Preparatory School and The Ohio State University. Upon graduation he joined the Air Force and retired after 20 years of service; initially serving a Personnel Programs Officer and then as an Air Intelligence Officer. He was a Vietnam Veteran serving in Saigon during the 1968 Tet and May Offensives. Upon retirement from the Air Force, Dave completed his Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy from Oklahoma State University. He taught in Oklahoma, Arizona and New Mexico and retired from New Mexico State University in 2010. Dave and Carolyn chose to retire in Las Cruces where they have resided for the past 21 years. They enjoyed traveling together in the US as well as Europe. Dave loved his family and was always there to love and support them. He was generous in his contributions to charities for the betterment of the local community as well as national and world organizations. Dave's volunteer work included past Board Member of the New Mexico Coalition for Literacy; a Paul Harris Fellow of the Rotary Club of Las Cruces; a current volunteer for the Institute for Historical Survey in Mesilla Park; and a volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocate for Children (CASA). He was a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church and was a member of the Board of Trustees. The family wishes to thank the Mesilla Marshals Department, the Mesilla Fire Department and the ICU staff of nurses, technicians and doctors at Mountain View Hospital for their loving kindnesses and support. A Service of Celebration at St. Paul's United Methodist Church is planned for a later date. Burial was at the Santa Fe National Cemetery with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made to St. Paul's United Methodist Church, CASA, the Roadrunner Food Bank or a charity of choice. Service Information
Wednesday, March 15, 2017 11:30am,
Santa Fe National Cemetery

Address Not Available






Interment Location

Santa Fe National Cemetery

Address Not Available
Santa Fe, New Mexico