Richard “Kevin” O’Brien, 60 of Hepler, Kansas, passed away peacefully Monday, May 9th, 2022, with his family by his side.
Kevin was born on July 21, 1961 to Bernie and Elaine (Harris) O’Brien in Wichita, KS. He grew up in “Hepler (KS) Rules” and attended Girard High School. After Kevin graduated in 1979, he attended the Electrical Technology Program at Pittsburg State University where he earned his electrical training and became a certified electrician.
Kevin married his high school sweetheart and classmate, Janet Noe on August 14, 1982, in Walnut, KS. They were parents of two children, Kyra and Kooper. Kevin became “Papa” five years ago to Kyser and their relationship was unbreakable. Kevin was devoted and very active in sharing his passion for livestock. He enjoyed spending time with his children while hunting, trapping, and experiencing the outdoors.
He began his career in 1981 at Zimmerman Electric in Chanute, KS and later was employed at Overland Park Electric in Overland Park, KS. Kevin and his wife became owners of O’Brien Electric after returning to “Hepler Rules” in 1988. His love for people and community continued for over thirty years, making it difficult for him to completely retire. He was recently employed at O’Brien Cattle Company and enjoyed working with his brother feeding cattle.
Who Kevin was and what he was about was a gift to all who knew him. Kevin loved his family big. Many knew Kevin as “KOB” or “Cannonball” and to family, he was known as “BooBoo”. His most abundant joy was his wife, children and grandson. Papa and Kyser were master fishermen and for the many fishing adventures ahead it was agreed between the two that Papa would ride a donkey while Kyser rode his pony “Coco”. Kevin had the biggest love for children that was like no other, they came to appreciate his big arms and lap to hold and love them. He and his wife enjoyed opening their home to family and friends. Kevin was passionate about his food and was known for his grill-master skills. Kevin made friends everywhere he went; he didn’t know a stranger and would do anything for his family and friends. He shared many hunting and trapping trips and memories throughout the years with his children, family, and numerous lifelong friends. As many of us share our fondest memories we have more laughter than tears; just as he would want his legacy to be remembered.
Kevin was preceded in death by his parents, Bernie and Elaine (Harris) O’Brien; paternal grandparents, Joe and Mary Ruth O’Brien; maternal grandparents, Bud and Ellen Harris; numerous aunts and uncles; father-in-law, James (Jim) Noe; two brothers-in-law, Mark and Reginald Noe; and many close friends. While his earthly home will never be the same without him here, his memory will live on through his many loved ones.
Survivors cherishing his memory include his wife, Janet; his daughter and son-in-law Kyra and Tyler Woods of Carlton, KS; son, Kooper O’Brien and girlfriend Alex Nepote of Overland Park, KS; his five-year-old grandson, Kyser who he adored; two siblings, Kim and husband, Joe Curran of Farlington, KS, Kerry O’Brien and wife Tammie of Hepler, KS; mother-in-law, Betty Noe, Farlington, KS; sisters-in-law, Pam and husband Stuart Kurdi, LaDonna and husband Pat Whetzell all of Farlington, KS; brother-in-law, Rodney and wife Jene Noe of Erie, KS; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, and a host of friends. To this obituary we add our thoughts, prayers and memories of a life shared with Kevin.
There will be a Rosary at 6 p.m. with a Vigil following on Friday, May 13, 2022, at St Michael’s Catholic Church in Girard, KS, where funeral services will be held 10 a.m., Saturday, May 14, 2022. Burial to follow at St Patrick’s Cemetery in Walnut, KS. Friends are invited to call from 2 – 4 p.m. Friday at the Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home. In honor of Kevin, the family has requested that remembrances be made in the form of contributions be sent to the Hepler Ruritan Rodeo or Autism Society – The Heartland.