Eugene Harold O'Brien

Eugene (Gene) Harold O’Brien was born February 14, 1926, in St. Joseph, Missouri. At the age of 14 he came to San Diego where he attended school and began working various jobs. November 29, 1945 he married Margaret Frances Whitehead. They were happily married over 67 years until her death in August, 2013. They had four children, one of whom, Deborah, preceded them in death in 1953.

In 1956 Gene and his business partner opened El Cajon Television Center, a fixture on Second Street for nearly 60 years. He retired in 2007, and his son, Gary, continues to own and operate the business.

In 1965, Gene received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He loved and served his precious Lord the remainder of his days, first at the El Cajon Christian and Missionary Alliance Church of El Cajon and the last decade at Gateway Church in El Cajon.

Gene enjoyed people and always had a hug ready for friends and family. He loved his family and looked forward to every opportunity to travel with, visit, and get together with any and all of them.

He is survived by 3 children: daughter, Randi Flynn (m. Mike) of Lakeside; son, Gary O’Brien (m. Wendy) of El Cajon; and daughter, Karen Russell (m. Bruce) of Cameron Park, CA; and foster daughter, Nina Maxwell of Marion, NC; as well as 4 grandchildren: Garrett Flynn (m. Sara) of El Cajon; Grant Flynn (m. Jessica) of Salado, TX; Staci Russell of Lewisburg, WV; and Anthony Russell of Colorado; and his 8 beloved great-grandchildren: Lexi, Ethan, Austin, and Kari Flynn; Kiera and Caedmon Flynn; and Delia and Braden Teaney.

On June 9, 2015 Gene went home to be with Jesus where he joined this wife and daughter and many family and friends.