Bill R. O'Brien Sr.

William “Bill” Robert O’Brien Sr., age 85, of Lamar, Missouri passed Tuesday, May 2, 2017 at Joplin Health & Rehab Center.      Bill was born January 2, 1932 in St. Joseph, Missouri to William Francis and Edna Mae (Potter) O’Brien.  In 1949, he graduated Central High School in St. Joseph.  He served his country in the United States Marine Corps and on April 10, 1954, he married Vernetta “Vern” Johnson and she passed July 28, 2013.  He was a member of Bethel Foursquare Church in St. Joseph.  He enjoyed fishing and horseshoes, and was an avid fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and St. Louis Cardinals, and was a member of the Elks Lodge and Eagles.      Bill leaves behind two sons, Bill O’Brien Jr. and his wife Karen and Charles Mattox, all of Lamar, Missouri; seven grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.      In addition to his wife Vern, he was preceded in death by three daughters, Vernelle McPheater, Linda Bundy and Jeannine Workman; his parents, one brother, Edwin O’Brien and one sister Evelyn McHarness.      Funeral service will be 10:00 am Friday, May 5, 2017 at Daniel Funeral Home with George Haag officiating.  Burial will follow at Lake Cemetery.   Visitation will be from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Thursday evening May 4, 2017.        Contributions are suggested to American Heart Association in care of Daniel Funeral Home.