Chester C. O’Brien

Chester C. O’Brien, 94, of Amarillo, TX died on Sunday, October 20.

Memorial services will be at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, October 24, 2019, in First Baptist Church with Dr. Howard Batson officiating. Private family burial will be in Llano Cemetery. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd.

Dr. O’Brien was born on November 25, 1924 to Chester and Katie O’Brien in Fort Worth, TX.  He graduated from high school in Big Spring, TX, from Hardin-Simmons University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Dr. O’Brien married Bonnie Louise Ball on June 25, 1946 in Big Spring, TX.  He pastored Baptist churches in Big Spring, TX, Wolf Creek, KY, Denton, Gruver and Wellington, TX, and Tucumcari, NM. He was the founding pastor of Paramount Baptist Church, Amarillo, served as the Director of Missions for the Amarillo Baptist Association and as the Executive Director of the Baptist Convention of New Mexico. He retired from the full-time pastorate after serving as associate pastor of First Baptist Church, Amarillo.

Dr. O’Brien was a gifted pastor, teacher and administrator.  Other than time with his family, he loved nothing more than studying the Bible and passing along what he learned through preaching and teaching.

Dr. O’Brien was preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie and his parents, Chester and Katie O’Brien.

Survivors include son David of Austin, TX; daughter Marianna Chopin of Charleston, SC; son John and his wife Marilyn of Amarillo; brother William R. O’Brien and wife Charmaine; grandchildren Reagan El Abd of Dallas, Jillian Chopin of Charleston, and Lauren Richardson and husband Jaret of Colorado Springs; and several wonderful nieces and nephews.

9 Replies to “Chester C. O’Brien”

  1. A day of celebration! Dr. O’Brien was my pastor when at age 12, I gave my heart to our Lord. It was Dr. O’Brien that baptized me and Paramount Baptist Church meant so much to our family. Rest In Peace.

  2. Bonnie was an inspiration to me when I taught with her at Windsor Elem. in Amarillo. I met Chester through her. Their faith and human kindness to all –adults and students –was such a wonderful witness! I know you shall miss them ,but they are home.

  3. John, so sorry for your loss. I only met your father one time that I remember. He was very kind. My prayers are with you and your family

  4. Chester and Bonnie lived next door to my parents at The Craig. Beautiful, precious neighbors. Shared lovingkindness daily.

  5. David and family,
    What a great tribute to your dad. Such fond memories of growing up on Terrace Dr. My dad went to heaven March 2018 age 95 and Mom joined him last summer age 96. What a celebration of his life you will have. Peace to all of you.
    Julie Richards Wyrick

  6. I met him a few times in the early 2000s during his morning walks at 6 am, very good man, our conversations always brighten my day and I learned a lot. He lived a full And unwasted life.

  7. Chester meant so much to so many, but today we are thankful he is at home with His Lord and his precious Bonnie. Prayers for all the family.

  8. So sorry for your loss, but rejoicing that Chester is now with his Lord and Savior whom he served so faithfully and with his dear wife Bonnie. I shall always cherish the many visits I had with Chester at PPT and his musings that he gave me while I served there, as well as those he has mailed to me since I moved to Pennsylvania. Much love and prayers! Jerry Bell

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