Tom Russell O'Brien

Tom Russell O'Brien of Paden, Oklahoma, passed away on Wednesday, January 6, 2021 in Shawnee, Oklahoma at the age of 75. Tom was born on August 20, 1945 in Grand Junction, Colorado and was the son of Clinton Perry and Ella Sarah (Foster) O'Brien. Tom was born and raised in the Grand Junction area, graduating from Fruita High School. Following high school, Tom attended college in Grand Junction before volunteering to serve his country with the United States Air Force. Following Tom's Air Force Service, he found his passion working the land and cattle. He was an avid rancher and was well recognized for his hard work and intuitive ideas when it comes to cattle ranching. At one time, Tom was recognized as one of the top ten ranch managers in the United States. Throughout the years, he worked over 5700 head of cattle and 35,000 acres. When Tom was not working cattle, baling hay or working in his tractor, you would often find him at his favorite fishing spot or enjoying one of his Zane Grey novels. Tom was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Earl O'Brien, Jack O'Brien, Carl O'brien and Sam O'Brien and one sister, Sis O'Brien. He is survived by one twin brother, Jerry O'Brien of Virginia; one son, Jim Sproul and his wife Cassie of Paden; grandchildren, Amber Sproul, Alisha Sproul, Codi Sproul, Emily Tucker, Cole Sproul, Blake Ramos and Trinity Sproul.