Dr. John Melvin O'Brien

.O'Brien, III, Dr. John Melvin, passed away peacefully at home in Knoxville, TN on November 13, 2010, surrounded by family and friends praying the rosary, after a courageous battle with colon cancer. John was a devoted Catholic who cherished saying the rosary and was devoted to the Eucharist. He often attended the Latin mass at Holy Ghost Church. His family is grateful for the prayers from people near and far which have been a source of comfort and strength during his illness. John was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee. John had a sharp intellect, a quick wit. and a love for his family and many friends. He had a passion for learning and an appreciation of the contributions made by artists and architects throughout history. His studies of their accomplishments earned him a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Memphis, a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Tennessee, and a Master of Arts and a Doctorate of Philosophy from Cornell University. John suffered a paralyzing accident in 1995. Through sheer perseverance, he typed his dissertation with just two fingers. John taught art history at the University of Tennessee. John left his extensive library to Christian Brothers University of Memphis, Tennessee in honor of his father, Mel O'Brien. John was preceded in death by his father, Mel O'Brien of Memphis, and his grandparents, John and Mildred O'Brien of Memphis and Joseph A. and Ethel Barnes Young of Joiner, Arkansas. He is survived by his mother, Teddy Young O'Brien of Memphis, his brother Theodore Y. O'Brien of Los Angeles and his sister Rebecca M. O'Brien of Los Angeles. John is also survived by his girlfriend, Christine M. Lockavich, who resided with him and cared for him during his illness. Visitation will be Thursday, November 18, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Berry Funeral Home, 3704 Chapman Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920. Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 19, 11:00 a.m., at Holy Ghost Church, Knoxville, TN. Family members have requested that memorials may be made to The Susan Cohan Kasdas Colon Cancer Foundation or a similar foundation whose mission is the battle against colon cancer. Condolences may be offered at www.berryfuneralhome.com.