« Return to Obituaries | Print
Funeral: 11 a.m. Saturday, July 16, 2016 at Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Visitation: 9-11 a.m. Saturday at Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Interment: Oak Mound Cemetery
Henry E. O'Brien, age 60, of Xenia, Illinois, went to be with the Lord early Tuesday morning, July 12, 2016, at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, Illinois, with his wife by his side.
Henry was born in Songer Township, Xenia, Illinois, on a Sunday, September 18, 1955, to James and Geneva (Miller) O’Brien, and was in church the next Sunday.
Many will remember him as that boy who always had a broken leg. It wasn’t until later in life that it was discovered he had a rare bone disease, Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), causing his bones to be very brittle. He spent many of his years in pain because of this disease, but was a man full of love, joy, laughter, kindness, and most importantly his faith in God. Henry’s favorite things were his grandson Colten, westerns, animals, music, and he was a big WWE fan. Many have enjoyed his singing and guitar playing over the years. Henry always wanted to be working. He had his own auto garage and helped farm; raised hogs, chickens, and horses; and then worked at Xenia Manufacturing until his body made him stop. The last thing he hated to give up was mowing the lawn.
Henry met and married the love of his life, Susan Kautz Phillips, on September 7, 2012. Their time together was too short but their perfect, healing love was a blessing from God. Henry had one child he raised, loved and adored – Brittiney. She was the apple of his eye and has been quoted by many as always saying “Just me and my Dad!”
Henry is survived by his wife Susan O’Brien, mother Geneva (Don) Welty, daughter Brittiney (Curtis) Greenwood, grandson Colten O’Brien, and his brothers Gary (Connie) O’Brien and Larry O’Brien all of Clay County; a brother-in-law George Tepker of Chatham; along with a niece Amy O’Brien and nephews Chris O’Brien and Brent and Brian Pearson. He was preceded in death by his father James F. O’Brien and a sister Jeannie Tepker.
A funeral service for Henry O’Brien will be 11 a.m. Saturday, July 16, 2016, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home, Flora, with visitation from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday. Lance Thackrey will officiate. Interment will be in Oak Mound Cemetery, Xenia. Memorial donations in Henry’s memory may be given to OIF (Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation) and these will be accepted through the funeral home. To share a message or condolence with the family, visit www.frankandbright.com.
Visit the OIF (Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation) website by clicking here.
Jul 21, 1931 - Nov 18, 2024
Nov 15, 1940 - Nov 9, 2024
Sep 5, 1961 - Oct 31, 2024
Nov 14, 1941 - Oct 30, 2024
Nov 28, 1936 - Oct 29, 2024
Our prayers are thoughts are with you all during this time.
Were so sorry for your loss sending prayers to you and the family. Henry will be miss
I'm so sorry to hear about Henry--May he Rest in Peace.
Thinking of you all. May God comfort you in your time of sorry
Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. So sorry to hear of your loss and Henry will be greatly missed
Thinking of you during this difficult time and praying for comfort and peace.
so sorry for your loss. we will pray for you and your family.
Susan, I was so sorry to hear of Henry's death. Please know you are all in my prayers and if there is anything you need let me know.
Sincere condolences to the family and friends
Please accept my condolences. Many years ago I transported Henry to Richland Memorial Hospital by ambulance due to a broken leg. He had injured himself at the old 76 gas station here in town. The local funeral homes in those days ran the ambulance service and I was the driver that day. I will always remember how determined and brave he was. It has been many years since I've seen Henry but, I remember that day very well. May he rest in peace suffering no more.
Geneva and Brittiney,Henry was a great person.My prayers are with you all.
We ate sorry for your loss and will keep you in our prayers.
We are so sorry for the loss! Your are in our thoughts and prayers! -Marisa & Nick
I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers as you try to get through this difficult time.
Thoughts and prayers!
I'm so sorry to hear of Henry's passing. He was one of the sweetest people I've ever known. Heaven gained a beautiful angel. ♡
I'm so sorry to hear about Henry. He was a great man and always one to help his fellow neighbor and towns men. He'll be greatly missed by many in and out of the community.
My deepest sympathy to the family! Susan... there are no words to express how sorry I am and I wish I could take this pain away from you. I know your time together was short but. . I know that you made many memories with Henry. I pray you find strength in your memories.
I am very sad that Henry has passed. May the family find peace at this time. He will be in our hearts and not forgotten.
My deepest sympathy for you and your family. May God help you through this difficult time in your life.
Am sending prayers to Garry and Connie O'Brien
hennery will truly be missed
Sorry to hear about Henry, we are all thinking of you.........
We would like to extend our sympathy to you. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Sorry to hear of Henry passing . I can see him now sitting in Heaven with his dad and sister playing some good old music like they used to. No more pain , just big smiles . RIP Uncle Henry .
Frank & Bright Funeral Home
and Cremation Services
500 North Main Street
Flora, Illinois 62839
Phone : (618) 662-2141
Fax: (618) 662-4600
Email: [email protected]
