Bernard Martin “Bernie” O’Brien, 80, of Odessa, Missouri passed away October 14, 2025, at Missouri Veterans Home in Warrensburg, Missouri.
A Rite of Committal with Military Honors will take place at 1:00 p.m., Friday, October 17, 2025, at Greenton Cemetery in Odessa, Missouri. Memorials are suggested to West Central Missouri Veterans Assistance League or ACG Hospice. Memories of Bernie and condolences for his family may be left at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com or on our Facebook Page. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home, 306 S. 2nd St., Odessa, MO, 64076, 816-633-5524.
Bernie was born on January 20, 1945, in Parsons, Kansas to James M. and Lucille (Scahill) O’Brien. In 1963, he graduated from St. Peter and Paul Catholic School in Boonville, Missouri. After high school, Bernie honorably served his country by enlisting in the United States Army. Bernie retired from Union Pacific as a switchman, conductor and yardmaster for more than 30 years. He was a member of St. George Catholic Church. Bernie was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan. Bernie found great joy in collecting model railroad cars. If Bernie wasn’t found tinkering around the house and cars, he would be spending his days with his loving family who he cherished dearly.
Bernie is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Judy Ann Christian O’Brien of Odessa, MO; two children, Elisa (Travis) O’Brien-Werths of Odessa, MO and Jamie (Antonio) O’Brien of Brazil; two grandchildren, Austin O’Brien and Kadee Werths; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Along with both his parents, Bernie was preceded in death by two children, Christian O’Brien and Brianne O’Brien-Mitchell; three sisters, Janet Bower, Anita Knettle, and Karen Weimholt; two brothers, James J. O’Brien and Reggie O’Brien.
Source: KMZU, The Farm
