Leo Richard O’Brien

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Leo Richard O’Brien, age 93, of Byron Center, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, August 25, 2021. Leo joins his wife, Mary Theresa (Bergin) O’Brien and his sons, Richard Craig and Michael Leo, in life everlasting. Leo was one of seven children; Betty, Don, Ed, Bob, and Barb who preceded him in death. He is survived by his children, David, Mary (Matthew) Hauschild, Daniel (Mellie), Maureen, Thomas (Robin); 21 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; his sister, Audrey (O’Brien) Witham; and his second wife of six years, Betty (Childs-Hilbert) O’Brien. Leo was a Navy veteran, a graduate of Aquinas College and Michigan State University, an educator who served Wyoming Public Schools as a teacher, principal, and Title I Director. Leo loved playing golf, coaching baseball, taking his children and grandchildren to Detroit Tigers baseball games, and was a diehard Lions fan. Leo accepted Jesus as his personal Savior and shared his faith and testimony with many. He loved the Bible and Psalm 103 was one of his favorite passages. Anyone who knew Leo enjoyed his quick wit and sense of humor; on his last day on earth he was singing “start spreading the news, I’m leaving today.” Leo was a Patriot and truly loved his country, praying for our nation every day. Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Wednesday, September 1, 2021 at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW. Burial will take place at Bailey Cemetery in Vergennes Township, MI. Relatives and friends may meet the family from 10 to 10:50 am on Wednesday one hour prior to the funeral. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial contributions to Grand Rapids Right to Life (https://www.grrtl.org/donate/), 2340 Porter St., PO Box 901, Grand Rapids, MI 49509-0901.