In Memoriam

Thomas Michael O'Brien

Thomas Michael O'Brien - A loving husband, father, and grandfather full of kindness and joy; a brilliant man with a great sense of humor. He was a true friend to all whom he met.

Tom was born in San Antonio, Texas, on December 26, 1946, the son of Hazel and James J. O'Brien, Jr. He passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 12, 2023.

He attended Robert E Lee High School, ultimately going on to receive his law degree from St. Mary's Law School. After Law School, Tom worked at Morrison, Dittmar, Dahlgren, and Kaine. He then moved to Corpus Christi where he joined Head, Kendrick, and Head. He attended Southern Methodist University where he studied Tax Law and graduated first in his class. Upon returning to San Antonio, he became a partner at McCamish, Martin, Brown, and Loeffler. He went on to spend many years as In-House Counsel for the Nix Healthcare System from which he ultimately retired. During his retirement, Tom joined his son's law firm Alford & O'Brien and also served on the board of the San Antonio Museum of Science and Technology (SAMSAT). Socially, Tom enjoyed memberships of the San Antonio Country Club, the Argyle, The German Club, and the Order of the Alamo which provided a backdrop to many beloved festivities.

As many will attest, Tom, or "OB" to his friends, was a brilliant lawyer and also one of the coolest guys around. His sense of humor, kindness, and the love he had for his friends and family were unmatched. He never met a stranger and would stop to talk to anyone, instantly drawing them in with his infectious smile. He had a collection of the best stories...embellished or otherwise. His friends were a big part of his life and often co-conspirators in those legendary tales of mischief and revelry.

Tom was blessed with three children whom he absolutely adored; James Joseph (Jamie), Charlotte Bennett, and Elizabeth Blum (Beth). He loved spending time with them taking them to Spurs games, deer hunting, saltwater fishing, and horse shows. The outdoors built and instilled strong bonds, memories, and traditions that will be cherished and undoubtedly continue on in his memory. He had a passion for music - especially The Rolling Stones that all his kids naturally absorbed.

In 2004, Tom married his best friend, Anne Thomas. A friendship of fifty years and a marriage just shy of nineteen between them, they were partners and carried each other's strength until the end. With his marriage to Anne, Tom gained two step-children, Lauren and Thomas, and their beautiful growing families. In recent years, Tom and Anne could be found at Shades of Green selecting plants together. Anne shared her love of gardening with Tom and it quickly became their favorite pastime. Many nights were shared between them on the patio amongst the pots of bougainvillea, palms, succulents, and ever-changing seasonal flowers and greenery.

As the family continued to grow in recent years, Tom emerged into his favorite role yet as "Padre" to his grandchildren. He treasured his time with them and delighted in every opportunity to be around them. With the Christmas season as his favorite time of year, one could find the mantle overflowing with stockings and engraved ornaments on the tree for every member of the family. Tom was a good man with a heart of gold and will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved him.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents Hazel and James J. O'Brien, Jr. He is survived by his wife Anne, son Jamie, daughter Charlotte and husband Kody, daughter Beth and husband Patrick, stepson Thomas Gouger and wife Andi, stepdaughter Lauren Busch and husband Jeremiah, and ten beautiful grandchildren.

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