John R. O'Dwyer

Born in Syracuse, New York to Thomas and Dorothy O’Dwyer, John served in the US Army Air Corp during WWII. He received the “Distinguished Flying Cross”, the “Air Medal” and the “Bronze Star”.

He and Ellen Frances Caring were married in Syracuse on February 26, 1949.

After graduating from Syracuse University in 1950, he joined Bell Aircraft in Buffalo, New York as a Preliminary Design Engineer. In 1952, John relocated his family to Texas to join the newly established Bell Helicopter.

During his 40 year career with Bell Helicopter, John had over 1600 patent designs including the patent as the forerunner of the “Tilt Rotor” as the inventor of “XV-3 Convertiplane Power System”.

John was a 45 year resident of Arlington and a resident at Saint Francis Village in Crowley for the past 16 years. John’s passions included singing, traveling, designing and flying model airplanes. He was a multi time National Champion for Free Flight model airplanes. He was also an avid golfer and helped design the golf course at Saint Francis Village.

He was a devout Catholic and a member of St. Francis Catholic Church in Crowley.

He is survived by his wife, Ellen O’Dwyer. Three sons and daughters-in-law: James and Diana O’Dwyer, Richard and Beverly O’Dwyer, Robert and Janett O’Dwyer. Three daughters and two sons-in-law: Catherine Cunningham, Nancy and Joseph Clarke, Judith O’Dwyer, and George Deerfield. Grandchildren: Laura “Tyghe” Deerfield, Rebecca Deerfield, Greg Deerfield, Jeff O’Dwyer, Kelly O’Dwyer, Courtney O’Dwyer, Nicci Wingo, Traci Wingo, Sean O’Dwyer, John Samerigo, Deidre Samuel, Tanner O’Dwyer Zander O’Dwyer, Robbie Musk, Jordan Musk and Jessica Musk. Great grandchildren: Piper O’Dwyer, Mollie Ann Samuel, Athena Samuel, Lucian Samerigo, Olivia O’Dwyer, Vincent Deerfield, Lena Deerfield, Oliver O’Dwyer, Stephon Flakes, Portia Johnson, Thomas Ryan, Nathan O’Dwyer, Cara Ryan, Emma Ryan and Samantha Ryan. One great-great grandchild: Elijah Bowers and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased in death by his daughter Patricia Deerfield and siblings Thomas O’Dwyer, Elizabeth Carlin, and James O’Dwyer.

Services: Moore Funeral Home, Arlington, Texas 10:30 am Tuesday October 6, 2015.