John H. O'Brien

John was born December 1, 1925 in Baytown to his late parents, George H. O'Brien and Florence Sheffers O'Brien, was a longtime resident of Baytown, graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1944 and was a U.S. Navy Veteran stationed in San Diego during World War II.

Mr. O'Brien's college education included an L.L.B. degree from the University of Detroit in 1956 and a B.B.A. degree from Sam Houston State University in 1949.

He worked for the Ford Motor Company from 1949 to 1957 as Supervisor of the forwarding Manufacturing Planning Division and attended night law school from 1952 to 1956 while working for Ford.

From 1957 to 1970 John worked for the Chrysler Corporation as Sales Analyst in Market Planning and Analysis, as Director of Marketing and Product Planning of Chrysler Australia and Chairman and Managing Director of Chrysler of South Africa.

After leaving Chrysler, Mr. O'Brien was Assistant Group Executive with Recreational Vehicles Group for AMF, Inc. in Stamford, Connecticut where he directed engineering, manufacturing and marketing programs.

In 1971 John became President and Chief Executive Officer of Harley-Davidson Motor Company and in 1973 moved on to become Vice President and Group Executive at AMF Incorporated of White Plains, New York where he reorganized and directed three of their largest subsidiaries including Harley-Davidson in Wisconsin, York Division in York Pennsylvania and H. E. in Varese, Italy.

He purchased ownership of Watson LTD. and Watson Manufacturing in 1975 and became the President and C.E.O. Selling off his interest in the Watson Company in 1981 he purchased his own business, Taylor Rental of Fernandina Beach, Florida, a business that is still operated today by his family.

Among his accomplishments in life, he was most proud of being elected ""Marketing Man of the Year"" in 1968 by the South African Institute of Marketing, the most prestigious award given to a businessman in South Africa and the first time awarded to a Foreign Citizen. He was also elected as Municipal Judge of Southfield, Michigan in 1958.

Memberships included the Society of Automotive Engineers, Michigan Bar Association, Gamma Eta Gamma National Legal Fraternity and Pi Kappa Delta National Debating Fraternity.

His interests included private piloting, multi-engine rating, golfing and fishing.

John was preceded in death by his first wife, Marjorie Gingell O'Brien; brother, George Sheffers O'Brien and his parents.

Survivors include his wife, Gladys O'Brien of Crosby; sons, James Patrick O'Brien of Colorado and Mark Reagan O'Brien Fernandina Beach, Florida and numerous, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 4, 2008 at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery in Houston with Msgr. Fred O'Connor officiating.

The family will receive friends Friday, October 3, 2008 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at Navarre Funeral Home in Baytown.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 11, 2008, at Navarre Funeral Home.

Arrangements are under the direction of Navarre Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 2444 Rollingbrook Drive, Baytown, Texas 77521, (281) 422-8111.