Michael Louis O'Brien

Michael "Mike" Louis O'Brien of Farmington passed away surrounded by his family on Saturday, March 15, 2014, at the age of 86 years, 11 months and 26 days. He was born on March 17, 1927, at Unionville, IL near Metropolis, son of the late Daniel Anthony and June (Kickasola) O'Brien. Mike was reared in the small town of Metropolis, Illinois. At the young age of 17 he enlisted in the United States Navy. During WWII he served on the USS Frank E. Evans until his Honorable Discharge in 1946. Upon return to civilian life he entered Murray State University in Kentucky whereby he earned a degree in Music Education. Later he received a Master's Degree in music having attended graduate school in St. Louis and New York City. He taught music for 42 years both in California and Missouri, having spent his final 25 years at Mineral Area College teaching instrumental as well as jazz vocal music. Many will remember him as being one of the foremost experts in Jazz in the state of Missouri. From his love of Jazz, Mike created and developed the Mineral Area College Jazz Festival for regional public school jazz students and featured well-known professional jazz artists. In addition, Mike started the Kicks Band comprised of local musicians and band directors. Mike was an accomplished percussionist playing professionally in both large and small ensembles. Mike served as Mayor of Farmington from 1989 to 1993, he also served on the Police Personnel Board as well as the Farmington City Council. He received the Cultural Recognition Award from the Mineral Area Council on the Arts and was a Parkland Hospital Auxiliary Volunteer. He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church of Farmington. An avid reader, Mike also enjoyed intellectual pursuits as well as home improvement projects in his spare time. Survivors include his beloved wife of 44 years, Patricia; his children, Kathryn "Kate" O'Brien and Pat Gouzien of St. Louis, Michael Brent O'Brien and wife, Christyn, of Meriden, CT and Sally Sullivan-Shinn and husband, Gregory, of Farmington; seven grandchildren, Justin, Jordan, Andrew, Kelsey, Madelyn, Parker, Riley and another grandson soon to be born; three great-grandchildren, Colby, Peyton and Macey; extended family and a number of treasured friends. Friends may call on Wednesday, March 19 at Cozean Memorial Chapel from 5 - 8 p.m. Visitation will resume Thursday morning beginning at 7 a.m. until the 10 a.m. funeral service in the Cozean Chapel with Dr. Van Lees officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Hillview Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital or to St. Paul Lutheran School. View the Tribute Video and share your memories and condolences at cozeanfuneralhome.com. Visitation

Cozean Memorial Chapel & Crematory

Wednesday, March 19, 2014 217 W. Columbia St. Farmington, MO 63640 Directions Funeral Service

Cozean Memorial Chapel & Crematory

Thursday, March 20, 2014 217 W. Columbia St. Farmington, MO 63640 Directions Interment Service

Hillview Memorial Gardens

Thursday, March 20, 2014 Farmington, MO 63640 Directions Visitation

Cozean Memorial Chapel & Crematory

Thursday, March 20, 2014 217 W. Columbia St. Farmington, MO 63640 Directions