Terrance Raymond O'Brien

Terry Raymond O’Brien, 83, peacefully passed away Wednesday, July 10, 2024. He was born March 5, 1941 to the late Raymond and Emma (Geron) O’Brien, and raised by his aunt, the late Dorothy (Geron) Southard near Snyder Park in Springfield. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara (Allender) O’Brien, and his brother-in-law, Dick Allender. He is survived by his son TJ O’Brien, his daughter Jackie and her daughters Ava and Abby; his son Scott O’Brien, his wife Leigh Anne and their children Emma and Jack; and his sister-in-law Martha, and her daughter Meghan and husband Chris. Terry was an animal lover and was also preceded in death by his cherished dogs Cindy, Rusty, Cleo, and Pilgrim, as well as his dear cats Toonces, Buttercup, and Bobbi. Harry (aka Dumb Dumb) his surviving cat, currently lives a very happy life with TJ.

Terry was a proud Navy veteran who obtained the rank of AG2, Aerographer’s Mate (Weatherman) and he was a Mason for 60 years. Terry was a business owner for Safeguard Business Systems, and later in life sold Passport Gun Holsters. A true salesman to the end, he wanted people to know his sons still have a basement full of his holsters for sale if anyone is interested. Terry enjoyed a good practical joke and hanging out with his friends at the Enon Eagles and AMVETS, drinking beer and telling stories. He claimed that the laughter, beer, and cigarette smoke contributed to his long life, and bragged that he never exercised while enjoying a lifetime of his favorite foods like bacon, chicken wings, and Barb’s terrible cooking. He loved going to his cottage at Indian Lake with Barb and their many pets, and you would find them there almost every weekend for more than 40 years.

His family and countless friends will truly miss his generous and positive spirit. The family will announce a memorial service at a later date, but in the meantime please have a drink in his honor at his favorite place, the Enon Eagles, and share stories about him, a man who loved jokes and never met a stranger. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Clark County Animal Shelter or SICSA in memory of Terry's love of animals. Or you can just buy a holster or two.