William David O’Brien, Cpl
Mar 30, 1988 - Mar 15, 2008

A community mourns

Friends, family and community members gathered Friday at Rice High School for a candlelight vigil honoring the life of Cpl. William O’Brien of Rice. O’Brien died while fighting in Iraq last weekend. Funeral services are pending with Corley Funeral Home.
Corsicana Daily Sun Published: March 21, 2008 10:56 pm

CPL. WILLIAM DAVID O'BRIEN Corporal William David O’Brien, 19, of Rice passed away on Saturday, March 15, 2008 while proudly serving his country in Iraq. He was born on March 30, 1988 in Ennis, Texas. Quiet Professional, this is the term used to describe William O’Brien. He was a very insightful young man. Around his friends Will was always the origin of entertainment and laughter. He was a fun-loving individual who enjoyed the outdoors. His life motto seemed to be family first, golf second! Will was very dedicated to the Army, his family, and his friends. He was an absolute joy to be around. You can’t use words to describe all that is William. His smile, his voice, his laugh, and his presence were all things that people loved about Will. He was often referred to as the golden boy by his unit C co. 1-28th INF. He was fearless! He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service. He was also awarded the Purple Heart Medal. Countless people had their hearts touched by William O’Brien. There is no doubt that he will be dearly missed by all. William David O’Brien was a hero to so many people, even before he died for his country, that there are not enough stories to be told to describe how much he means to us all. William could not, and will not ever be forgotten. Visitation will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 26, 2008 at Corley Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 27, 2008 at Northside Baptist Church with Dr. Rick Lamb and a U.S. Army Chaplain officiating. Interment will follow at 1:30 p.m. at the Dallas- Fort Worth National Cemetery. Pallbearers will be the United States Army. Will is survived by his Mother; Dawn O’Brien of Rice, TX., Father; Tom O’Brien of Mabank, TX., Brother & Sister-in-Law; John Anthony & Haley O’Brien of Ft. Richardson, Alaska, Half Brothers & Wives; James Michael & Judy O’Brien of Rice, TX, Robert Joseph O’Brien of Tampa, FL, and 1st Sgt. Daniel Shawn & Chiloi O’Brien of Ft. Leonardwood, MO, a Half Sister; Michele Leigh Nolan of Tampa, FL., Maternal Grandfather; Frank Reznicek of Garland, TX., numerous Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews, and Cousins. Memorial contributions may be made to the William David O’Brien Scholarship Fund at the First State Bank of Rice at 100 N. McKinney, Rice, Texas 75155.

Honoring O.B.

Hundreds pay respect to fallen Rice soldier
From Staff Reports


They came to say goodbye. To a son. A friend. A hero.

They came to honor.

Cpl. William O’Brien, 19, was laid to rest Thursday less than two weeks after he lost his life to sniper fire in Baghdad. Hundreds lined the pews of Northside Baptist, and many more lined the streets and highways for the procession to D/FW National Cemetery, where Navarro County’s first casualty of the Iraq War will rest forever.

They used words like courage, leadership and, yes, honor.

Army Chaplain Tony Sanders from Fort Hood quoted Romans 13:7: “Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.”

O’Brien entered the Army at the tender age of 17, but only after mother Dawn signed a waiver for her son to do so. So impressive was he in his two and a half years that he sailed to rank of corporal as his supervisors saw him fit before Army regulations actually allowed him to ascend that high.

His medals and honors were numerous, about a dozen, including the Bronze Star and Purple Heart, awarded to his family during the service.

“I ask that all of you honor him, remember him,” said brother John O’Brien, himself an active military man, just like older brother Daniel.

They called him Will, William and O.B. They nodded with approval with each glowing remark about his service-filled young life. They stood and waived small flags when Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA" played near the end of the service.

They shed tears.

“You get to appreciate soldiers at the point of the spear defending our country,” Brigadier Sgt. David Quantock said.

Their attendance, their respects, their attempts to honor displayed their appreciation.

They loved, admired and cared for young William. He was a warrior, led by example and was respected by all of his peers. He had a great sense of humor, was a mediator and had compassion for his fellow man. He looked forward to getting out next year and going to college, and playing golf.

He was a soldier, one of thousands so young who gave the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.

“We need to support them, love them and pray for them,” Northside Pastor Rick Lamb said. “I believe William O’Brien is a hero.”

One worthy of honor.

The flag-draped casket of Cpl. William O'Brien of Rice is carried from Northside Baptist Church Thursday. O'Brien, who was 19, was killed in action in Iraq March 15. He was laid to rest at DFW National Cemetery following the local service.
 

The funeral procession of Cpl. William O?rien heads up
Interstate 45 Thursday, accompanied by a motorcycle escort

Notes:

• Corsicana Daily Sun