Col. Thomas M. O'Brian

Colonel Thomas M. O’Brian, age 87, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, December 10, 2022, in San Antonio, Texas. Tom was born to Bertha and Leo O’Brian on July 5, 1935, in Grand Rapids, Michigan and was raised in Shorewood, Wisconsin. He graduated from St. Thomas University in St. Paul, Minnesota and pursued his dream of being an Air Force Pilot.

Tom served for 23 years in the Air Force as a KC-135 Stratotanker pilot, squadron leader, trainer and educator. His many assignments included protecting the United States after the Cuban missile crisis and serving in Vietnam. He was also an instructor and educator at the Air Force Academy and ultimately retired in San Antonio, Texas where he settled with his family.

After his Air Force career, Tom moved into the financial field as a stockbroker at Merrill Lynch. He then moved on to USAA where his love for education and training flourished. He was a primary trainer for the Series 7 stockbroker exam and helped craft questions and strategies at a national level. Tom was also influential in the creation of many training programs for USAA.

He led by example in everything he did and was an incredible husband, father and grandfather. His passion was a devotion to the Divine Mercy. His love and faith in the Lord were steadfast in every way, and his calling was to bring souls to the Lord and to serve others through his involvement with the Catholic Church. He was a pioneer in bringing the powerful faith led retreat program ACTS (Adoration, Community, Theology and Service) to parishes in San Antonio. His many hours of adoration in front of the Blessed Sacrament have prepared him well to meet our Lord.

Tom was most proud of his family, his children and grandchildren. He met the love of his life Roni Sue Wechsler, and they were married in May of 1982 at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in San Antonio, Texas. This year they celebrated their 40th anniversary surrounded by their loving family.

Col. Thomas M. O’Brian was preceded in death by parents, Leo & Bertha O’Brian; sister, Mary McCreery; and brother, Daniel O’Brian. He is survived by wife, Roni Sue O’Brian; children, Mary Fletcher (Jeff), Leo O’Brian (Barbara), Michele Moore (Andy), Lance Jackson (Ninette), Andrea Stacy (Scott), and Shannon Badger (Jonathan); 20 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; sister, Ruth Brunke (Otto); former spouse Kathleen Culligan and numerous loving nieces and nephews.

VISITATIONWEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 20225:00 PM – 7:00 PMPORTER LORING MORTUARY NORTH

ROSARYWEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 20227:00 PMPORTER LORING MORTUARY NORTH

MASSTHURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 20229:30 AMST. MARK THE EVANGELIST CATHOLIC CHURCH1602 THOUSAND OAKS DRIVE

GRAVESIDETHURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 202211:30 AMFORT SAM HOUSTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: A Woman’s Haven or Wounded Warrior Project