Robert Howard O'brien

SAN ANGELO – After a long illness, Robert Howard O’Brien, “Bobby O”, 70, of San Angelo, passed away on February 11, 2011. He was born on May 9, 1940 in Bexar County to Eula Pearl Ware but grew up in Coleman and San Angelo.

He married Judy Kay Lambert in San Angelo, on February 19, 1960, and they were married for 25 years. They had two daughters, Janet and Michelle. In 1988, he married Donna Willis Thomason, and together they raised her two sons from a previous marriage, Jet and C.J. Thomason.

Following his service in the U.S. Navy, where he was a Gunner’s Mate 3rd Class on the USS Canberra, he worked in construction building houses. From 1971 to his retirement in 2009 (38 years) he worked for City Lumber where he was loved and respected by many. While employed with City Lumber, he was also a self-employed architect, designing many houses for builders as well as individuals in San Angelo and the surrounding area. Take a drive through any neighborhood in San Angelo and you will probably see a “Bobby O” masterpiece.

Whether he was alone, with buddies, or in a tournament, he loved fishing. He was an accomplished master fisherman, winning many trophies in fishing tournaments. He was also an avid Poker and Blackjack player, whether it was with a small group of friends or in a tournament, he loved playing cards.

Survivors include his wife, Donna Thomason-O’Brien, step-sons Jet Thomason of New York and C.J. Thomason and wife Irina of California, daughters Janet Spradley of San Angelo and Michelle Strain and husband Michael, also of San Angelo, grandchildren, Lacey, Wesley, Morgan, Meadow, and Miley, as well as two great-grandchildren, Logan and Chloe, all of San Angelo, and former wife, Judy McFarland and her husband Chuck, of San Angelo. He was preceded in death by his mother, Eula Pear Ware and brother, Jimmy O’Brien.

Family Visitation will be Monday February 14, 2011 from 5:00 – 6:30. Funeral services will be Tuesday February 15, 2011 at 1:30 at Johnson’s Funeral Home, with Pastor David Smith officiating. Burial will follow at the Fairmont Cemetery.

Family and friends may sign an online register book at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com