William J. O'Brien

William J. “Bill” O’Brien, age 74, of Troy IL, born November 25, 1947, in East St. Louis IL, passed away peacefully, Monday, April 11, 2022 at Missouri Baptist Hospital in St. Louis MO.

Bill was an avid baseball fan and love going to St. Louis Cardinals and Gateway Grizzles games. He was a proud veteran who served in the US Army from 1967 until 1970. He was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant after serving a year in Vietnam. Bill was an expert rifleman who earned the Purple Heart, National Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Unit Citation. He enjoyed following military advancement. Bill was a code enforcement officer for the City of Fairview Heights IL for over 30 years. He was a member of Bethel Baptist Church in Troy IL and the American Legion in Collinsville IL.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Paul L “Jack” and Margaret, nee Rehak O’Brien.

Bill is survived by his wife of almost 48 years, Janet O’Brien, nee Leezy; 4 children, Burton Joseph “B.J.” O’Brien, William S. “Bill” (Lauren) O’Brien, Kelly Williams, and Kathy “Kat” O’Brien; 5 grandchildren, W. Scott O’Brien Jr., BreAnna Williams, Dominick Williams, Austin Budde, and Gabrielle Budde; 2 siblings, Jacqueline (William) Sykes and Richard (Connie) O’Brien; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Kassly Mortuary Ltd., Fairview Heights, IL.

Visitation will also be held on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Bethel Baptist Church, Troy, IL.

Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, April 20, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at Bethel Baptist Church, Troy, IL. Interment will be in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO. 

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