David John O’Brien | The Gazette

David John O’Brien

Marion

David John O’Brien, age 71, of Marion, passed away on Sunday, June 26, 2022.

There are no services planned at this time. At his request, he has been cremated.

Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Carolyn of Marion; son, Chris (Stephanie) O’Brien of Springville; and granddaughters, Elizabeth Timp, Kylie O’Brien and Mackenzie O’Brien. Also surviving is a special cousin who was more like a sister, Becky O’Brien.

David was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Wayne O’Brien.

David John O’Brien was born on October 3, 1950, in Stuart, Iowa, the son of Howard and Helen (Wright) O’Brien. He was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. On June 28, 1975, he married Carolyn Lee Hines in Tama, Iowa. David worked at Gray Iron in Marshalltown for many years and then at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown until he retired. His many hobbies included fishing, pheasant and squirrel hunting, and woodworking. This is one of Chris’ memories: “My dad is the reason I work as much as I do… He always had 2 full time jobs… I can’t remember a time when he didn’t. In addition to working all those hours, he would get up early and sacrifice his own sleep to make sure I ate before school. I’m going to miss him. He had an amazing sense of humor and he was the nicest person you could ever meet. He held on until I was able to be with him, and then he passed away peacefully.” He will be greatly missed by all who loved and knew him.

Online condolences can be left at www.iowacremation.com under “obituaries.”